The city of Midland is mourning the loss of one of its own after a deadly shooting Friday morning left a city employee dead, 10 others injured and a suspect dead following an hours-long standoff with law enforcement.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal of Odessa, a man who had already been the focus of a regional manhunt after allegedly shooting at a police officer during a traffic stop just two days earlier.
According to the Midland Police Department, Mata Villarreal had been wanted for attempted capital murder since Wednesday evening. Police said he fired a rifle at an officer after being detained during a traffic stop before fleeing the scene and abandoning his vehicle. After an exchange of gunfire, officers were unable to locate him. Authorities have not released details regarding why he was initially stopped. The officer involved was not injured and has since been placed on administrative leave.
The violence escalated Friday morning around 8 a.m. on Midland’s south side. Residents in the area received a stay-in-place notification as officers surrounded a barricaded suspect. The situation developed into a standoff that lasted several hours before authorities ultimately confirmed the suspect was dead around 11:30 a.m.
Midland Mayor Lori Blong said drones and a robot were used to confirm the suspect’s death. Officials have not disclosed how Mata Villarreal died, and investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
As the community sought answers, city officials later identified Ed Scott, a Midland city employee, as the victim who was fatally shot during the incident.
Blong said during a Friday news conference that officials were still gathering information regarding the victims and declined to provide additional details about those who were killed or wounded.
The shooting unfolded in an area near hotels, a convention center and Beal Park, locations that typically see significant daily activity. The violence prompted a large law enforcement response and raised concerns throughout the community as residents awaited updates.
Midland Memorial Hospital reported that multiple victims required emergency treatment. According to information shared through The Associated Press, four people underwent surgery while three others were treated and released. Two additional patients remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Community leaders quickly began expressing support for the victims, their families and the emergency personnel responding to the crisis.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” said Mayor Pro-tem Amy Stretcher Burkes. “We're also praying for law enforcement officers, first responders, and the surgical teams working tirelessly to protect lives and provide care during this difficult time.”
In the hours following the shooting, local organizations mobilized to provide assistance. Blong announced that Midland Community Organizations Active in Disaster, a coalition of nonprofits and businesses, was coordinating support efforts for victims and their families.
Among those efforts, the West Texas Food Bank dispatched vehicles to assist law enforcement personnel, while mental health professionals traveled to Midland Memorial Hospital, where a family reunification center was established. City officials also began organizing food and donation drives, along with blood donation efforts to support those affected.
“Our community is already responding with love and action,” Blong said. “Thank you for taking care of the people who are taking care of us today.”
Court records indicate Mata Villarreal had previous encounters with law enforcement involving firearms. He was convicted in 2009 for unlawfully carrying a firearm in San Angelo. Earlier charges from 2003 and 2004 involving unlawful carrying of a firearm and possession of a prohibited weapon were ultimately dismissed.
Friday’s tragedy also revived painful memories for many West Texans. Midland and neighboring Odessa were the sites of a devastating 2019 mass shooting in which a gunman killed seven people and wounded 25 others, including three law enforcement officers, before being shot and killed. Five years later, an 11-foot monument was erected to honor the victims and survivors of that attack.
State leaders offered condolences as the investigation continued.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s office praised the law enforcement response and pledged state support for the city.
“The Governor commends the swift and professional response of the Midland Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, and all assisting law enforcement agencies working to protect the public,” Abbott Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement. “Texas stands ready to provide any additional state resources or support.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also addressed the tragedy in a message posted on social media.
“Texans are heartbroken over the news of a shooting in Midland. Please join Jan and me in prayer for the victims, their families, and the city of Midland,” Patrick wrote. “Please also pray for our brave first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep the Midland community safe.”
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