‘Threat contained’: Shooter among seven dead and at least 19 wounded in Texas highway shootings

Police originally believed two suspects were at large, with one driving a hijacked mail truck and “shooting at random people,” while the other was thought to be driving a “gold/white small Toyota truck.” However, police now believe there was only one gunman in a gold Honda who at one point ditched the vehicle and took U.S. Postal Vehicle to a local theater where a shootout with police ensued.

Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke said during a press conference that police believe they “have the threat contained” but urged residents to remain alert and cautious. He also said that he has “an idea” of who the shooter is but was not prepared to share that information. Gerke added three of those injured were law enforcement officers.

The shootings reportedly began in the late afternoon when a state patrol officer pulled over the suspect’s gold Honda on a highway that connects Odessa and Midland. During the attempted traffic stop, the suspect shot the trooper and fled to Odessa where he continued firing shots until police apprehended him.

President Trump has been briefed on the situation, and the White House is monitoring it.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on the tragedy.

This is a breaking story and will be updated…