Officials in Midland have confirmed a tragic shooting incident that occurred on the city’s south side on Friday morning, resulting in the death of a city employee and injuries to ten others. The suspected shooter is also deceased.
The Midland Police Department identified the shooter as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for attempted capital murder following an incident earlier in the week. On Wednesday, Villarreal allegedly fired at a police officer during a traffic stop and subsequently fled the scene after abandoning his vehicle. Although the officer was unharmed, he has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
The shooting unfolded around 8 a.m. as local residents received a notification to shelter in place while police engaged with the barricaded suspect. Authorities confirmed Villarreal’s death around 11:30 a.m., although the motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Villarreal, a resident of Odessa, had a criminal history, including a 2009 conviction for unlawfully carrying a firearm and previous charges for similar offenses, all of which were dismissed.
During a news conference, Mayor Lori Blong stated that no additional details regarding the victims had been released at the time, but later confirmed that Ed Scott, a city employee, was the individual who lost his life in the shooting.
According to Mayor Blong, the standoff with Villarreal lasted several hours, ending with the use of drones and a robot to ascertain his condition. The specifics of how he died have not been disclosed. The shooting took place near hotels, a convention center, and Beal Park.
Midland Memorial Hospital reported that four individuals underwent surgery, while three others were treated and released. The hospital noted that two additional patients were in stable condition.
Mayor Pro-tem Amy Stretcher Burkes expressed the city’s thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families, as well as for law enforcement and medical teams working diligently amidst the crisis.
The Midland Community Organizations Active in Disaster, a coalition of local nonprofits and businesses, is mobilizing to support the victims. The West Texas Food Bank is providing assistance to law enforcement, and mental health professionals are on-site at Midland Memorial, where a family reunification center has been established.
The city is also organizing a food and donation drive, along with a blood donation initiative. Mayor Blong thanked the community for their swift response and support during this challenging time.
This incident echoes a previous shooting in 2019, when a lone gunman in Midland and Odessa killed seven people and injured 25 others before being shot dead by police. In remembrance, a monument was erected five years later to honor the victims and survivors of that tragedy.
Governor Greg Abbott’s office extended condolences to the community and encouraged residents to collaborate with local law enforcement. Abbott commended the rapid and professional response of the Midland Police Department and other agencies involved in ensuring public safety.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick shared his sympathy in a post, urging Texans to pray for the victims, their families, and the city’s first responders who risk their lives for community safety.
