MIDLAND, Texas — A gunman killed one person and wounded 10 others in a shooting in downtown Midland on Friday morning before dying following a standoff with law enforcement, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal of nearby Odessa, opened fire on bystanders and officers around 8 a.m. near Industrial Avenue and West Wall Street, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety and Midland officials.
Villarreal had been wanted by authorities after allegedly shooting at a police officer during a chase days earlier, officials said. He barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic following the shooting, leading to a standoff involving police, state troopers and federal agents. He was found dead inside the building shortly after noon, with no officers injured.
The victim killed was identified as Edward Randall Scott, 62, a Midland city employee, city officials said Saturday. The 10 injured were taken to local hospitals, where some underwent surgery. Details on their conditions were not immediately released.
"This is a heartbreaking morning for our community," Midland Mayor Lori Blong said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families."
The shooting occurred in a commercial area of the West Texas city. Authorities used a drone and robot to confirm the suspect was deceased, according to officials. Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the incident.
No specific motive has been released. Villarreal was already being sought in connection with the prior incident involving police when he began firing, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
The scene was secured by midday Friday. Officials urged the public to avoid the area during the response. Further details on the weapons used or the exact sequence of events remain under investigation.
As of Saturday, authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No additional suspects have been identified.
