Chief of Odessa Police: 1 suspect and 5 victims after firing

Five people died and 21 others were injured after a traffic stop that turned into a shootout that terrorized the Odessa region on Saturday afternoon.

Odessa police chief Michael Gerke said the shooting began after a Public Security Ministry soldier stopped traffic around 2 pm. The soldier and two officers – one from Odessa and the other from Midland – were shot dead, Gerke said.

The man then hijacked a truck from the US postal service, killing his driver, according to information posted on social media. He then used a rifle to shoot drivers from Interstate 20 and Highway 191, authorities said.

The gunman – identified as a white man in his thirties – was killed in a shooting in the parking lot of a cinema in Odessa, authorities said.

Governor Greg Abbott, who plans to travel to Odessa on Sunday, issued a statement following news of the murder:

"The First Lady and I are heartbroken by this senseless and cowardly attack and we offer our unwavering support to the victims, their families and all the residents of Midland and Odessa," Abbott said. "The State of Texas and the Department of Public Safety are working closely with local law enforcement to provide the resources and justice for this heinous attack. I thank the first responders who acted quickly and admirably under pressure, and I want to remind all Texans that we will not allow the state of Lone Star to be invaded by hatred and violence. We will unite, as the Texans always do, to respond to this tragedy. "

Here is a video of the shooting in Odessa, Texas. Video provided by Alex Woods on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/iwF31o5MMy

– Chad Baker (@ChadBlue_) August 31, 2019

Earlier in the afternoon, the Midland Police Department reported the existence of two active shooters in separate vehicles in Midland. Later, it was reported that only the suspect was shot dead. Gerke said at the press conference that it was originally difficult to determine because the suspect had changed cars in Odessa.

The police department reported that: "One subject (perhaps two) is currently driving to Odessa to shoot at random people. At present, there are several gunshot victims. The suspect just hijacked an American postman truck and was last seen in the 38th and Walnut area. "

The University of Texas Permian Basin, on his Facebook page, asked people on his campus is Odessa to "stay in his dorm or his office and not open his doors".

The shooting comes just a month after 22 people were killed in a shooting in El Paso.

"Our hearts are with Midland, Odessa and all the people of West Texas who have to endure this again.More information is coming, but here's what we know: we need to end this epidemic, "Beto O. Rourke, presidential candidate of the El Paso party, originally from El Paso tweeted on Saturday.

Lawyers called for immediate legislative reform on gun control.

"Once again in Texas, our hearts go out to those affected by mass shootings, we express our sorrow to the communities of Midland / Odessa, we recognize the sacrifice of the members of the forces of order who were killed or injured and we appreciate their service. "said Gyl Switzer, executive director of Texas Gun Sense.

US Senator Ted Cruz described the attacks as heartbreaking.

"We raise in prayer all the victims, their families and the entire Midland-Odessa community, we are grateful to the law enforcement officers who heroically put their lives in danger and acted quickly to stop the gunman. and save others, "he wrote. "Their courage has prevented even more senseless deaths, and we are honoring their tireless commitment to protecting us all.We, Texans, are united tonight to be united against all forms of hatred and violence."

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