MIDLAND, TX – A massive police response ended in tragedy Friday morning after a wanted fugitive opened fire on bystanders and officers, killing one person and injuring 10 others before dying during a multi-hour standoff.
Active Shooter Situation
The chaos began around 8:00 a.m. Friday when Midland police responded to reports of an active shooter. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal of Odessa, began firing randomly at civilians and responding law enforcement officers.
Following the initial shooting, Villarreal barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic. After an hours-long standoff with tactical teams, officers entered the building around 12:30 p.m. and found the suspect dead.
Victims and Hospital Updates
Emergency crews rushed nine of the victims to Midland Memorial Hospital. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the following details regarding the victims:
- One victim was tragically killed at the scene.
- Four victims were rushed immediately into emergency surgery.
- Five victims were admitted in stable condition and have since been safely discharged.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released. DPS confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the gunfire or the subsequent standoff.
Suspect Was Already Wanted
Authorities revealed that Villarreal was a known fugitive. He was actively wanted for attempted capital murder of an officer after firing multiple shots at police during a high-speed car chase on Wednesday.
He had been in hiding since Wednesday’s chase. When officers finally tracked him down on Friday morning to apprehend him, he immediately opened fire on the community.
Community Response
Midland Mayor Lori Blong urged the community to come together during a Friday afternoon news conference. “I would really ask Midlanders to pray for the families of those who have been impacted, for the victims themselves, for the family of the one who is confirmed deceased,” Blong stated.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
