An early-morning shooting on Midland's southwest side turned into a tense, hours-long standoff Friday, leaving multiple people shot and a major stretch of the city locked down as police moved in on a barricaded suspect. Officers sealed off roads, tactical teams rolled in with armored vehicles, and Midland Memorial Hospital took in victims while families were directed to a reunification point as investigators worked to secure the scene.
At a news conference, Midland Mayor Lori Blong said there were 11 known victims and that at least one person was dead at the scene, according to ABC17 News, which carried a CNN Newsource dispatch. Officials did not immediately identify the victims, and they said a motive was still unknown as the situation remained active.
Where It Happened
Midland Police Chief Greg Snow said officers heard gunfire coming from a building in the 4600 block of West Wall Street and "worked quickly to secure and clear the area," according to KOSA/First Alert 7. The incident centered near Industrial Avenue and Eisenhower Street, and authorities called in help from the Texas Rangers and the Lubbock County SWAT team.
Hospital Response And Families
Midland Memorial Hospital said it received multiple victims and set up a family-reunification area at its main campus. The hospital went on lockdown at about 8:20 a.m. and later lifted restrictions on the main campus while keeping the emergency department under tighter control, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported. Hospital officials said several patients were in surgery and others were stable, and they urged the public to stay away from the hospital unless they needed emergency care.
Neighbors And Tactics On Scene
Neighbors said the gunfire sounded like it went on and on. One witness told reporters it "sounded like at least 40 shots," and video from the scene showed officers pouring out of an armored vehicle, according to the Associated Press. Police used tactical robots and armored units as they worked to clear the building where the suspect was believed to be barricaded.
What Officials Are Saying
City officials urged residents to steer clear of the area while officers tried to end the standoff and check for any additional threats. The police department said on social media that "armored units were deployed, and partner agencies assisted in the response," according to CBS News. Chief Snow said efforts to bring the situation to a safe resolution were ongoing and that officers were conducting room-by-room clearings.
How To Help And Where To Call
The city set up a reunification hotline for relatives and established a family gathering point in the hospital cafeteria. Officials listed a reunification number, 432-631-4689, for loved ones seeking information, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported. Mayor Blong said blood donations and food were being accepted for families, and residents were urged to check official city and hospital channels for specific, up-to-date donation instructions.
What’s Next
Midland sits in West Texas about halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso, and officials said the investigation was still unfolding Friday morning as officers finished clearing rooms and securing evidence, according to ABC17 News. Authorities asked anyone who captured video of the incident or who has information to contact Midland police as the inquiry moves forward.
