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Two Odessa officers hurt in shooting, suspect surrenders to police

Two Odessa Police Department officers were hurt following a shooting in Odessa on Wednesday morning.
Police officers on scene following shooting that injured two officers.
Authorities assess the scene following shooting that injured two Odessa Police officers.

ODESSA, TX (KWES) - Two Odessa Police Department officers were hurt following a shooting in Odessa on Wednesday morning.

Odessa Police responded to the Clayton Manor Town Homes in the 1000 block of Custer just after 11:30 a.m. to attempt to locate a wanted subject with a parole violation warrant.

According to a release from authorities, that's when the wanted subject began shooting at officers and struck Sgt. Pete Gonzalez and Officer Cory Wester.

Both officers were immediately taken to Medical Center Hospital and are currently listed in fair condition.

Authorities say a perimeter was set up around the area with the help of several agencies and the Crisis Negotiation Team and SWAT team also responded.

Police say the wanted subject, identified as Roy Daniel Garza, barricaded himself inside a residence and a standoff lasted for over eight hours.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday night, Garza came out of the residence and was taken into custody.

The investigation into the case is being led by the Texas Rangers.

OFFICERS HURT

The two Odessa Police officers injured in Wednesday's shooting are recovering.

Police say Sgt. Gonzalez was shot in the arm and Officer Wester was shot multiple times in the chest and upper leg.

Cpl. Steve LeSueur with Odessa Police stated that Gonzalez has been with the police department for more than 11 years while Officer Wester has been with the department for over two years.

WITNESSES REACT TO SHOOTING

The shooting at the Clayton Manor Town Homes on Wednesday left several nearby residents and homeowners in shock.

When the shooting occurred, witnesses reported that they heard 40 to 60 rounds being fired.

Authorities did evacuated nearby homes and apartments as a precaution while the negotiations were ongoing.

SEVERAL AGENCIES RESPOND

Numerous agencies quickly responded to the shooting in Odessa.

Those agencies included the Odessa Police Department, Medical Center Hospital Police, Ector County ISD police, DPS, Texas Rangers, ATF and FBI.

The Midland County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene and their armored personnel carrier was used during the negotiations with Garza.

The DPS helicopter was also at the scene assisting officers.

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