IRION COUNTY, Texas — UPDATE (10:28 p.m. April 16): The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed in a release the man believed to be the suspect in a fatal Odessa shooting and car theft is now dead. According to DPS, he was killed Tuesday afternoon in an officer-involved shooting in the East Duncan Avenue area of Mertzon.
Also according to DPS, the Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting. More information is expected to be released in the future.
ORIGINAL STORY: FOX West Texas reporter Damien Bartonek, who is in Mertzon, said there is a flurry of law enforcement activity in the city Tuesday afternoon.
Shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday, at least 20 shots were fired at a home on East Duncan Avenue, across from the Irion County ISD football field.
It is presumed, but not officially confirmed, that the suspect being sought for a murder in Odessa Monday entered a home on East Duncan. The woman who was inside the home left the house before the shots were heard.
Law enforcement officials at the scene would not comment or give confirmation that the suspect was in the home.
The woman who was in the house was seen speaking with law enforcement. Crime scene tape has been placed around the home.
Around 4 p.m., the Irion County Sheriff's Office posted the following message on social media:
"Citizens of Mertzon, please avoid the area of First Street between Duncan and Fayette."
County Judge Molly Criner posted:
"Irion County Citizens,
Please refrain from spreading information that is not confirmed concerning any current situation involving law enforcement. For now, all law enforcement situations and disturbances in Irion County are completely under control. The public will be updated once we have confirmed information. Again, all law enforcement situations are completely under control. Take a breath, Irion County. We're going to be ok."
This is a developing story. More information will be posted as it becomes available from law enforcement.