ODESSA/MIDLAND, Texas, Aug. 31, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Seven people are reported dead, and as many as 21 injured in a mass shooting incident in West Texas.
According to a statement posted on social media by the Midland Police Department, “It has been confirmed that the active shooter was shot and killed at the Cinergy (Theater) in Odessa. There is no active shooter at this time. All agencies are investigating reports of possible suspects.”
The shooting was first reported late Saturday afternoon with reports of a gunman or gunmen firing randomly from two moving vehicles in a stretch between Midland and Odessa.
Police are now backing off that initial assessment.
Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke told the press the shooting began in the aftermath of a traffic stop during which at least one officer was shot.
Gerke said the shooter then fled, leading other officers on a high speed chase during which the suspect fired randomly at passing motorists.
The shooter, described by Gerke as a white male in mid-30s, was confronted by police at an entertainment center in Odessa.
Amateur video recorded by bystanders show a police vehicle crashing into a fence while a hail of gunfire could be heard in the background.
At one point during the incident the suspect allegedly carjacked a mail truck. It’s unclear exactly when and where that happened.
The injured include a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, an Odessa police officer and a Midland police officer, according to Midland P.D.
Gephardt Daily is following this developing story and will provide an update as more information becomes available.
