Active shooter in Midland, Texas, is dead; 1 victim killed, at least 10 injured

Mary Ella Hastings, Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Jun 12, 2026

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Authorities have identified the suspect in a mass shooting Friday in Midland, Texas, as a man who was wanted by police after he fired shots at officers earlier in the week.

One victim was killed and at least 10 were injured in Friday’s active shooter incident, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The suspect, 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, was found dead after he barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic building, Texas DPS said in a news release.

Midland police, DPS officers, and other local, state and federal law enforcement responded to the shooting about 8 a.m. Friday in southwest Midland. Preliminary information from the investigation found that when officers arrived, Villarreal began shooting at officers and bystanders and then barricaded himself inside the building. No officers were injured.

Law enforcement surrounded the veterinary clinic building, and after a standoff, the suspect was found dead inside the building about 12:30 p.m., DPS said. Authorities have not said how Villarreal died.

Villarreal, who lived in Odessa, had been wanted on a charge of attempted capital murder of a peace officer after he was accused of firing multiple shots at a Midland Police Department officer during a vehicle chase after the officer tried to make a traffic stop on Wednesday night, DPS said. The officer returned fire, and police lost sight of Villarreal after he abandoned his vehicle, Midland police have said.

DPS’ Texas Rangers are investigating the active shooter incident at the request of Midland police.

Midland Memorial Hospital told the Associated Press that four people were in surgery and five others who were treated at the hospital were in stable condition Friday morning. Officials told ABC News that three of those victims were later discharged from the hospital.

NBC News reported one victim was taken to Odessa Medical Center Hospital.

A Family Unification Center is open at Midland Memorial Hospital. Anyone seeking information about loved ones can go to the hospital for assistance.

While the standoff has ended, the area is still not cleared and road closures remain in place for the foreseeable future, Midland police and Mayor Lori Blong said in a livestreamed news conference.

Drivers are asked to find alternate routes around the area. West Wall Street/Business 20 from the intersection of Fasken Road, across from Cavender Subaru, to Loop 250 in Midland, is expected to remain closed for the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Texas Municipal Police Association said that multiple law enforcement agencies in the Midland area were responding to the active shooter situation.

“Please keep all law enforcement involved, their families, and the Midland community in your thoughts and prayers,” the police union said.

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