An over 30-hour manhunt for 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal ended Friday when he fired at passing cars and officers in Midland, Texas; one person was killed and 10 were injured. Villarreal, wanted since a Wednesday pursuit in which he allegedly shot at an officer, barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic and was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Midland Memorial Hospital treated nine victims; five were discharged, three left surgery and one remained in the operating room. The FBI and state agencies are assisting the ongoing investigation.
West Texas Manhunt Ends After Suspect Fires Into Traffic — 1 Dead, 10 Wounded; Suspect Found Dead
Clipped From Video
An intensive manhunt that lasted more than 30 hours ended Friday in Midland, Texas, after 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal opened fire on passing vehicles and bystanders as officers closed in. One person was killed and 10 others were wounded before officers found Villarreal dead inside a vacant veterinary clinic from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
What Happened
Authorities had been searching for Villarreal, of Odessa, since Wednesday after investigators say he shot at a police officer during a vehicle pursuit. During that Wednesday night incident, law enforcement says Villarreal led officers on a high-speed chase, fired from his vehicle, briefly stopped to exit and fire a rifle at an officer (who returned fire), then abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.
Federal, state and local agencies — including Midland Police, the Texas Rangers and U.S. Marshals — launched an extensive search. Wanted posters indicated Villarreal was sought in connection with the attempted capital murder of a police officer.
Friday Morning Standoff
Investigators say Villarreal may have turned off his cellphone to avoid being tracked; the device began transmitting again Friday morning near the Victoria Inn, according to law enforcement sources. Shortly before 8 a.m., officers in Midland heard gunfire coming from a building and responded along with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A police officer stands near the scene of an active shooter incident in Midland, Texas, on Friday, June 12. - KOSA
As officers arrived, officials say Villarreal fired at police, passing vehicles and bystanders, then barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic on Loop 250. Witnesses reported a semitruck driver blocked an offramp to steer people away from the gunfire, and a SWAT vehicle later breached a fence so officers could enter the building.
A manager who witnessed the shooting said she saw “a man randomly shooting at cars driving by,” and several nearby businesses went into lockdown.
After a standoff, officers entered the building and discovered Villarreal dead at about 12:30 p.m., officials said. Law enforcement sources described the wound as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
Victims and Hospital Response
Midland Memorial Hospital reported receiving nine victims from the shooting. Hospital officials said five patients were discharged by Friday afternoon, three had emerged from surgery and one remained in the operating room. Authorities overall reported one person killed at the scene and 10 people wounded in the episode.
Investigation and Official Response
The FBI is on scene assisting Midland police with the investigation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement saying he was deeply saddened by the violence and praised the swift response from local and state law enforcement.
Midland is located in West Texas, roughly midway between Fort Worth and El Paso. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about the identities of the victims or a motive.
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