Midland Man Wanted For Attempted Murder After Firing Rifle At Officer

UPDATE: Villarreal was shot and killed by Odessa police after opening fire on bystanders and officers near an abandoned veterinary clinic. After barricading himself in the building, police formed a perimeter when Villarreal engaged in a standoff and opened fire. 

Villarreal was pronounced deceased at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. He was the only fatality during the active shooter incident while 10 others were injured. 

A man in Midland has yet to be found after opening fire on a police officer following a failed traffic stop. The man eventually escaped after exiting his vehicle and fleeing on foot.

The Midland Police Department is asking the public for any information that could lead to his discovery and arrest:

Midland Man Wanted

On Wednesday, June 10, a Midland Police officer initiated a routine traffic stop on a vehicle, the driver later identified as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal.

Read More: What to Do When Pulled Over by a Texas Police Officer

Villarreal immediately fled from the officer near the 4800 block of Anetta Drive. He continued driving through the 4700 block of Comanche Drive before exiting his vehicle, producing a rifle, and firing several rounds at the officer.

Villarreal and the officer then traded shots back and forth after the cop returned fire. Soon after, Villarreal entered his vehicle once more and fled the scene.

By the time the officer began trailing Villarreal for the second time, the vehicle was located but turned up empty. The fugitive himself was nowhere to be found.

How Can the Public Help?

Victor Mata Villarreal is wanted for Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer, and the Midland Police Department is warning the public not to approach him if they see him since he is considered armed and dangerous.

If anyone has information that could assist investigators with locating Villarreal, they are urged to call Midland Crime Stoppers at (432) 694-8477 or the U.S. Marshals' tip line at 1-877-962-8332.