Midland police respond to gunfire, 11 victims in barricaded standoff

Gunfire drew Midland police to a building in the 4600 block of West Wall Street Friday morning, and officers quickly moved to secure the area as a barricaded standoff unfolded near Industrial Avenue. Midland Mayor Lori Blong said 11 victims were reported and at least one person was dead.

Police said responding officers heard gunfire coming from the building, then pushed to clear and contain the scene in southeast Midland. Armored units were deployed, and partner agencies joined the response as authorities worked to keep the situation from spreading beyond the immediate area.

Residents were told to avoid the block and shelter in place while the confrontation continued. Midland Memorial Hospital was placed on lockdown, and people with questions about loved ones were directed to contact the hospital and its reunification team as officials worked to account for those affected.

Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis said his office was assisting Midland police, adding another layer of law enforcement support to the response. Local reporting said police resources from across the Basin were sent to Midland as the incident developed near the corner of Industrial Avenue and Wall Street.

Witnesses in the area reported multiple gunshots and said possible victims were taken to the hospital, but officials did not immediately confirm those accounts. The unfolding emergency shut down a busy stretch of Midland and put public attention on a fast-moving law enforcement operation that remained active as officials continued to secure the scene.