A manhunt in Midland, Texas, ended in tragedy Friday when a suspect wanted for attempted murder of a peace officer opened fire on civilians and law enforcement, killing at least one person and wounding nine others before being found dead during a standoff with police.
The shooting erupted around 8 a.m. local time in the southwestern part of the city when Victor Mata Villarreal began firing on both police officers and bystanders, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The suspect then barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic, sparking a tense hours-long standoff that lasted until authorities located his body at approximately 12:30 p.m. using drone and robotic surveillance, Midland Mayor Lori Blong said.
A Fugitive on the Loose
Villarreal had been the subject of an intensive manhunt since Wednesday night, when he allegedly opened fire on law enforcement during a vehicle pursuit. Despite trading gunfire with officers at the scene, he managed to escape capture and evade police for nearly two days.
Vigilant community members helped alert authorities to his location Friday morning. Lee Carlisle, who was staying near the area, said a neighbour spotted Villarreal at a local motel and immediately called police dispatch.
"I seen him cross the street from the hotel to the gas station," Carlisle told CBS News. "I called the police, dispatch, immediately, but they had already got a couple calls. Other people had already been calling in, and probably less than 5 minutes, there was, like, every police officer in Midland, Texas."
The Victim and the Wounded
The city of Midland identified the fatality as Ed Scott, a municipal employee who was deeply involved in the community. "Ed was a person involved in the community, specifically working as an integral figure with local and regional softball organizations. Most importantly, he was a loving father and husband and good person all the way around," the city said in a statement.
Nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. As of Friday afternoon, four patients required surgery, with three already in recovery and one still in the operating room. The remaining five patients had been discharged, hospital officials reported.
Notably, no law enforcement officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Scenes of Chaos and Coordination
Witnesses described an overwhelming show of force as dozens of police vehicles descended on the scene. The response involved not only Midland police but also Texas Rangers and undercover units.
"We see the drones, and then we see the Texas Rangers and the undercover cars with lights on," Carlisle recalled. "Had to be, seems like, 50 police officers, like a small army."
The hospital where victims were treated also went into lockdown as a precautionary measure while the situation unfolded, keeping staff and visitors secured away from affected areas until the all-clear was given.
Mayor Blong expressed the city's grief and gratitude in the aftermath: "My heart breaks for the victims and their families. We are praying for every person touched by today's events and for the law enforcement officers who risked their own safety to protect our community."
This article is based on reporting from CBS News, originally published June 12, 2026. Read the full story at CBS News.