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By Gabe Whisnant and Joshua Rhett Miller
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The suspect in Friday's deadly shooting in Midland, Texas, also shot at a police officer days earlier, authorities told Newsweek on Friday.
Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, of Odessa, had been sought in the attempted killing of a Midland officer after firing multiple shots during a traffic stop late Wednesday, police said. The officer, who was not injured, returned fire as Villarreal fled in his vehicle, which was later found abandoned, according to authorities.
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What Happened in Midland, Texas?
During Friday's onslaught, Villarreal started firing shots at officers and bystanders about 8 a.m. before barricading himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic building, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Officials said Villarreal died following an hourslong standoff with police. The attack, which occurred near the location of Wednesday's traffic stop, left one person dead and at least nine injured.
Police did not immediately say how Villarreal died. Midland Mayor Lori Blong said authorities used robot and drone footage to confirm the suspect was deceased, roughly four hours after the standoff began.
"As this is an active investigation, no additional information is being released," DPS officials said in a statement. "The Texas Rangers ask that anyone with information related to the incident please come forward."
Dozens of law enforcement vehicles converged on a typically busy roadway lined with hotels and auto businesses several miles west of downtown Midland, roughly 300 miles west of Dallas.
Andrea Mendias said she heard what sounded like a small explosion at the closed veterinary clinic next to the body shop where she works, then saw heavily armed officers rush into the parking lot, with some entering the building.
She said she earlier heard what sounded like at least 40 gunshots.
Video recorded by Mendias showed officers pouring out of the back of an armored police vehicle as authorities deployed robots into the area.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted to X on the bureau's presence in Midland. “FBI El Paso has deployed special agents and victim services personnel to assist the Midland Police Department at the scene of today’s incident," the FBI told Newsweek in a statement via email. "The FBI routinely offers assistance to our law enforcement partners and to the members of the community who are impacted. The scene is still active, so we ask the public to avoid the area to allow for law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.”
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Who Was Victor Mata Villarreal?
Villarreal, who had previous addresses in Virginia, was convicted in 2009 of unlawfully carrying a firearm in San Angelo, according to Texas criminal history records. Court documents show he had been arrested several other times.
He was charged in 2003 and 2004 with unlawfully carrying a weapon and unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon, but both cases appear to have been dismissed as part of a plea deal.
His relatives, including his mother, declined to comment when reached by Newsweek Friday afternoon.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Newsweek on Friday, “Victor Manuel Mata Villarreal, a green card holder from Mexico, was wanted by the U.S. Marshals for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after he fired at police officers during a Wednesday traffic stop. He then went on to shoot and kill one and injure ten others in Midland, Texas, according to police. He was granted a green card in 1993.
“His extensive criminal history includes convictions for fraud, DUI, weapon offense, and public order crimes.”
What We Know About Friday's Midland Shooting Victims
One person died in the shooting. Of the nine people who were hospitalized, Midland Memorial Hospital said four people underwent surgery and that five had been treated and released. The victims have not been identified.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” Blong told reporters at a news conference. “Our community needs to pull together."
Midland, a city of about 140,000 residents in the heart of Texas’ oil and gas region, was also near the site of a deadly shooting rampage in 2019. In that attack, Seth Aaron Ator, who had been fired from his oil services job, killed seven people and wounded two dozen others while shooting at random as he drove through the Odessa and Midland areas.
Texas Officials React to Midland Shooting
Republican Governor Greg Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, said in a statement shared with Newsweek via email after the shooting, **“**Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott are deeply saddened by the incident in Midland. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Midland community. 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. Texas stands ready to provide any additional state resources or support. We urge the public to continue following guidance from local officials and to avoid the area.”
State Representative James Talarico, a Texas Democrat and U.S. Senate candidate, said in a statement shared with Newsweek via email, “I am devastated to hear of the shooting that took place this morning in Midland. This kind of violence has no place in Texas and no place in our country. Thank you to the Midland Police Department and all of our first responders who acted swiftly to protect our neighbors. My prayers are with everyone affected: the victims, their families, our police officers and healthcare workers, and the entire Midland community. Those seeking information about a loved one should visit the Family Unification Center at Midland Memorial Hospital.”
Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas posted to X, "Sandy & I send our prayers to those impacted by the shooting in Midland today and extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. I am thankful to the law enforcement officers and medical personnel who responded to this evil act."
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