Victor Mata Villarreal is being sought by Midland police after authorities said he fired a rifle at an officer during a traffic stop on June 10. The officer was not injured, and Villarreal allegedly fled after the officer returned fire. Police have not said whether that incident is connected to the deadly shooting and standoff that unfolded in Midland, Texas, on June 12.
The shooting began Friday morning in the 4600 block of West Wall Street, where Midland police responded to reports of gunfire and encountered an active shooter situation. According to Midland spokesperson Stewart Doreen, officers heard shots coming from a building and worked to clear the area as the incident developed into a standoff with a suspected shooter. Armored units and partner law enforcement agencies also responded to the scene.
Shortly before noon, city officials announced that the standoff had been resolved and that the suspected shooter was dead, though authorities said the scene remained active. Midland Mayor Lori Blong said officials confirmed the shooter’s death using footage obtained from a robot and drone.
“Law enforcement is still securing the scene,” Blong said.
Authorities reported 11 known victims, including at least one person who was killed at the scene. Multiple others were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Midland Memorial Hospital received nine victims connected to the incident, according to Tasa Richardson, the hospital’s director of planning, marketing and communications. Richardson said four patients were in surgery while five others were listed in stable condition.
The hospital was placed on lockdown at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time because of the active shooter event before restrictions were lifted later in the morning. Officials also established a family reunification center at the hospital for relatives of victims.
During a news conference, Blong urged the community to support those affected by the violence.
“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,” she said.
Investigators have not released additional details about the suspected shooter or whether the June 10 officer-involved shooting involving Villarreal is connected to Friday’s deadly attack.