Shooting in Midland, Texas Leaves 1 Dead, 10 Injured; Suspect Previously Fired at Police

(Central News Agency, Midland, Aug. 12 — Comprehensive international news report) U.S. authorities reported that a man opened fire early this morning in Midland, a city in western Texas, resulting in one death and ten injuries. Days earlier, the gunman had shot at police officers during a pursuit.

According to the Associated Press, the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that 45-year-old suspect Victor Mata Villarreal opened fire on police and bystanders in Midland today. At the time, he was already wanted by authorities. He later took refuge in an abandoned veterinary clinic, where he was eventually found dead.

Law enforcement has not provided many details about the shooting incident. Midland Police Chief Greg Snow said officers responded to reports of an active shooter and were immediately fired upon by Villarreal. Snow noted that several officers were temporarily pinned behind their patrol vehicles and only able to retreat with the support of armored vehicles. Fortunately, no officers were injured.

Authorities subsequently evacuated all individuals from the scene. Snow stated, "We took action to prevent this gunman from targeting more victims."

Midland Mayor Lori Blong said that hours after the shooting, authorities confirmed the gunman's death using footage from robots and drones inside the building. Police have not disclosed the cause of the suspect's death.

The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that Villarreal, from nearby Odessa, had been wanted on felony charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after firing multiple shots at a Midland police officer on August 10.

Investigators said the officer was not injured during the initial encounter. When officers attempted to stop Villarreal's vehicle, he fled. Police returned fire, but the suspect's car was later found abandoned nearby. Authorities have not explained why the initial traffic stop was initiated. (Compiled by: Zhang Xiaowen) 1150613

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