Texas Active Shooter in Midland Ends
By Staff Writer
MIDLAND, TEXAS – A man wanted for attempting to kill a Midland Police officer earlier this week opened fire on law enforcement and bystanders Friday morning, triggering a large‑scale active shooter response and hours‑long standoff that ended with the suspect dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The incident began around 8:00 a.m. CST in the 4600 block of West Wall Street, when officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland Police Department, and multiple local, state, and federal agencies responded to reports of an active shooter.
When officers arrived, the gunman 45‑year‑old Victor Mata Villarreal of Odessa immediately began firing at officers and civilians before barricading himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic.
DPS confirmed that one victim was killed and 10 others were injured during the attack. No law enforcement officers were hurt.
A perimeter was established around the building as tactical teams worked to contain the threat. After several hours of standoff operations, Villarreal was found deceased inside the structure at approximately 12:30 p.m. CST.
Authorities say Villarreal had been the subject of an intensive manhunt since Wednesday, June 10, when he allegedly opened fire on a Midland Police officer during a traffic stop attempt.
According to the Midland Police Department, officers tried to stop Villarreal Wednesday around 11:23 p.m. in the 4800 block of Anetta. Villarreal fled several blocks before stopping in the 4700 block of Comanche, where he exited his vehicle and fired multiple rifle rounds at an officer. The officer returned fire, and Villarreal fled again, abandoning his vehicle nearby. He was not located that night.
MPD issued a warrant for Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer, and the Texas Rangers began investigating the officer‑involved shooting.
At MPD’s request, the Texas Rangers are also leading the investigation into Friday’s active shooter incident. DPS stated that no additional details are being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
