Midland Shooting Kills 1, Injures 10; Suspect Dead After Standoff June 12

A shooting in Midland, Texas on June 12 killed one person and injured 10 others. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, opened fire on officers and bystanders before barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic. He was found dead around 12:30 p.m. after a three-hour standoff. Villarreal had been wanted for firing at a police officer during a vehicle pursuit two days earlier.

How the Shooting Unfolded

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at 8 a.m. on June 12 in the 4600 block of West Wall Street in Midland. Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, of Odessa, opened fire at officers and bystanders when law enforcement arrived. He then barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic. Officers established a perimeter and denied him additional targets. Villarreal was found dead inside the building around 12:30 p.m. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The Suspect’s Prior Criminal Activity

Villarreal had been wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after firing multiple shots at a Midland police officer during a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, June 10. The officer returned fire but was not injured. Villarreal’s vehicle was found empty a short distance away. He remained at large until the shooting on June 12. Records show he had prior charges including unlawful carrying of a weapon in 2003 and 2004, a dismissed domestic violence charge in 2008, and an unlawful firearm charge in San Angelo in 2009.

Victims and Hospital Response

One victim, Edward Randall Scott, 62, of Midland, was killed. Nine victims were taken to Midland Memorial Hospital. Four underwent surgery, five were admitted in stable condition, and five were discharged by 12:55 p.m. Another victim was taken to Odessa Medical Center Hospital. The hospital briefly went on lockdown and established a family reunification center. Officials did not confirm if all victims had been shot.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland Police Department, and federal law enforcement partners responded to the scene. Officers used robot and drone footage to confirm the suspect was dead inside the building. The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident. Authorities asked the public to avoid West Wall Street and Business 20 from Fasken Road to Loop 250 for 24 to 48 hours. A Facebook outage briefly impacted the police department’s ability to communicate with the public.

Final Thoughts

The Midland shooting underscores the danger posed by suspects with active warrants and prior violent incidents. Law enforcement prevented further casualties through rapid response and tactical containment.

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