Man Wanted for Attempted Capital Murder of Officer Identified as Midland Shooter

MIDLAND, TX — The suspect in Friday’s active shooter incident in Midland has been identified as Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, of Odessa, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced. 

Villarreal, who had been wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after firing shots at a Midland police officer during a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, June 10, began firing at officers and bystanders upon their arrival and barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic building in the 4600 block of West Wall Street.

DPS, Midland Police Department and other local, state and federal partners responded to reports of an active shooter around 8 a.m. CST. After a standoff, Villarreal was located inside the building and pronounced deceased around 12:30 p.m. CST. DPS confirmed one victim is dead and 10 others are injured. No law enforcement officers were injured. 

At the request of Midland police, the Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the active shooter incident. The Rangers are asking anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. 

The scene remains active and has not been cleared. West Wall Street/Business 20 from the intersection of Fasken Road, across from Cavender Subaru, to Loop 250 is expected to remain closed for the next 24 to 48 hours. Drivers are asked to find alternate routes. 

Midland Memorial Hospital earlier reported receiving nine victims from the incident, with five discharged and others treated in the operating room or emergency department. Medical Center Hospital in Odessa confirmed it is treating one victim. 

The FBI assisted on scene with special agents and victim services personnel. Multiple agencies, including armored units, the Texas Rangers Northwest Texas Region and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, supported the response.