USA12 June, 20262 min read
Victor Mata Villarreal Kills One, Injures 10 in Midland, Texas Shooting After Attacking Police
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One person killed and ten injured in Midland shooting. Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, died after a prolonged standoff with police.
Midland shooting ends
A man opened fire in the West Texas city of Midland on Friday morning, killing one person and injuring 10 others, before barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic where he was eventually found dead. The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the suspect as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, who had been wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after firing multiple times at a Midland police officer during a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, June 10.
Midland Police Chief Greg Snow said officers were pinned down behind their patrol cars and had to be rescued by an armored vehicle, but no officers were shot. Midland Mayor Lori Blong said authorities used robot and drone footage from inside the building to confirm the shooter was dead, and police did not say how he died.
Victims, hospital updates
Midland police responded after 8 a.m. on Friday, June 12, in the 4600 block of West Wall Street, and the City of Midland later confirmed the “active shooter incident has been resolved, and the suspect is confirmed deceased.”
USA TODAY reported that Midland Memorial Hospital received nine of the victims connected to the active shooter incident, and that as of 1 p.m. CT two people remained in stable condition while three had been discharged.
BBC reported that there were 11 known victims, including the deceased, and that Midland Memorial Hospital said it received nine victims with four currently undergoing surgery.
BBC also quoted Midland Mayor Lori Blong saying, "My heart breaks for the victims and their families," while Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick urged prayers for "our brave first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep the Midland community safe."
Manhunt and official response
Authorities had been searching for Victor Mata Villarreal since Wednesday after he fired multiple shots at an officer during a high-speed chase, and CNN said he barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic in Midland after shots were reported around 8 a.m. Friday.
CNN reported that when officers reached him, the suspect was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and it said a SWAT vehicle broke through a fence as officers ran into the building where he was holed up.
The FBI was at the scene assisting the Midland Police Department with its investigation, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post Friday, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement saying he is “deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence in Midland.”
USA TODAY said the scene remains active and has not been cleared, while road closures in the area are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.