Suspect had earlier fired at police

Authorities said Villarreal had already been wanted for attempted capital murder after he allegedly fired at a police officer during a car chase earlier in the week.

Police said the officer tried to stop him on Wednesday, but Villarreal shot multiple times and fled. His vehicle was later found abandoned.

“This was an individual we were already searching for,” officials said, adding that the Friday shooting happened not far from the earlier incident.

Standoff at abandoned building

After Friday’s shooting, Villarreal barricaded himself inside an abandoned veterinary clinic. Police surrounded the building and worked to clear the area.

Midland Police Chief Greg Snow said officers came under fire when they arrived. “Several officers were pinned down behind their patrol cars and had to be rescued using an armoured vehicle,” he said. No officers were injured.

Police said they moved quickly to remove people from the area. “We moved to deny more targets for this active shooter,” Snow said.

The standoff lasted several hours. Authorities used a robot and drone to enter the building and later confirmed the suspect was dead inside. Officials have not said how he died.

Ten injured people were taken to Midland Memorial Hospital. Four required surgery, while others were reported to be in stable condition. Some have since been discharged.

Authorities have not released details about the victims or what led to the shooting. Midland Mayor Lori Blong urged the community to support those affected. “I would ask people to pray for the families and the victims,” she said. The investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from Associated Press)