WEST TEXAS HEROISM UNDER FIRE: TEXAS TECH POLICE OFFICER JAMES BLACK III HAILED AS A SYMBOL OF COURAGE AFTER SURVIVING HORRIFIC SHOOTING AND VEHICLE ATTACK NEAR JONES AT&T STADIUM — LUBBOCK COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND THE WOUNDED OFFICER WHO RISKED HIS LIFE TO PROTECT OTHERS FROM ARMED OHIO SUSPECT WITH VIOLENT PAST

💥 WEST TEXAS HEROISM UNDER FIRE: TEXAS TECH POLICE OFFICER JAMES BLACK III HAILED AS A SYMBOL OF COURAGE AFTER SURVIVING HORRIFIC SHOOTING AND VEHICLE ATTACK NEAR JONES AT&T STADIUM — LUBBOCK COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND THE WOUNDED OFFICER WHO RISKED HIS LIFE TO PROTECT OTHERS FROM ARMED OHIO SUSPECT WITH VIOLENT PAST 🔵🚨🛑

 

 

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LUBBOCK, TEXAS — In a city known for its tight-knit spirit and strong law enforcement community, Officer James Black III is now being celebrated as nothing short of a hero. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, what began as a standard patrol check near Jones AT&T Stadium quickly escalated into a life-threatening confrontation — one that saw Officer Black display incredible bravery in the face of extreme danger.

 

Just before 1:00 a.m., officers from the Texas Tech Police Department were dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked improperly near the stadium. The vehicle’s doors were open, and its presence raised concern due to the odd hour and location. When officers approached to investigate, the driver — later identified as 63-year-old Rhino Simboli, an Ohio resident with a violent criminal past — opened fire without warning.

 

The sudden eruption of gunfire turned the quiet night into chaos. Officer Black, according to eyewitnesses and body cam footage currently under review, acted with split-second decision-making, positioning himself between the threat and his fellow officers — a selfless act that may have prevented greater loss of life.

 

 

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💥 Attack Unfolds in Seconds, But Response Was Swift

 

Simboli, armed and hostile, not only discharged his weapon but also reportedly used his vehicle as a weapon, striking Officer Black during the encounter. Black was both shot and run over, sustaining multiple injuries while trying to shield others from harm. Despite his condition, officers returned fire, and Simboli was fatally shot on the scene — preventing what could have easily evolved into a much larger tragedy.

 

> “He didn’t flinch — he acted to protect, even while taking fire,” one officer on the scene reported. “He saved lives that night. Period.”

 

 

 

Two officers were injured in the incident, with Black receiving the most severe wounds. Officials say his protective vest and tactical gear likely saved his life, but the road ahead will be long and grueling.

 

 

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🙏 The Aftermath: Community Support and an Ongoing Investigation

 

Following the incident, Officer Black was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition. His injuries will require extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and emotional support, and the Lubbock community has already stepped up in a big way.

 

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Black’s family is already gaining momentum, with donations pouring in from across Texas and beyond. Supporters have used the hashtag #HeroInBlue to spread awareness and encouragement.

 

> “He’s in good spirits, but he has a long recovery ahead,” said a family spokesperson. “We’re just grateful he’s alive — and we thank God for that.”

 

 

 

 

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🧾 The Suspect: A Known Threat With a Dangerous Past

 

As the community honors Officer Black’s bravery, questions are now mounting about how Rhino Simboli — a man with a documented history of violent crime — ended up near a major college stadium with a weapon.

 

In 2019, Simboli was charged with armed burglary in Florida after breaking into a man’s home with a loaded weapon. Despite his record, he had apparently been released and was traveling freely across state lines.

 

Authorities are still working to determine what brought Simboli to Lubbock and whether there were broader motives behind his actions. As of now, officials believe he acted alone, but the investigation remains active.

 

 

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💙 Officer Black: A Life of Service, A Moment of Unmatched Courage

 

Officer James Black III has served with the Texas Tech Police Department for several years and is well known among students, faculty, and locals as a dependable and compassionate officer. According to those who know him, it’s no surprise that he didn’t hesitate to risk everything in that critical moment.

 

> “James has always had the heart of a protector,” said one colleague. “Even before he wore the badge, he was the guy you could count on.”

 

 

 

Community leaders, including Lubbock Mayor Tray Payne, praised Officer Black’s bravery and called for unity in support of all first responders.

 

> “He is an example of what real heroism looks like,” the mayor said during a press conference. “Our city stands with Officer Black and his family.”

 

 

 

 

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🕯 A Call for Gratitude — and Reflection

 

While the suspect is no longer a threat, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks police officers face every day, even during what appears to be routine patrol work.

 

In the days since the shooting, students at Texas Tech have begun organizing prayer vigils, support drives, and thank-you campaigns for Officer Black and the entire Texas Tech PD.

 

As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: Lubbock will not forget the night Officer James Black III stood between danger and his community — and refused to back down.

 

 

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#HeroInBlue #OfficerJamesBlackIII #TexasTechPD #LubbockStrong #FirstResponderHero #ThinBlueLine #JonesStadiumIncident #WestTexasValor #The806er