EDEN, Texas (AP) - Two people are dead and five injured after a gunman in Texas shot at several vehicles, apparently at random, authorities said on Monday.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the gunman was among the dead. His identity was not released, but authorities said he was a 23-year-old.

DPS said the shootings began early on Sunday when the gunman shot a motorist. Over the next 90 minutes, he was suspected of shooting two people who were sitting in a car at a convenience store and then another motorist. Then a 41-year-old woman, Ms Alicia Torres, was found dead in her car.

The suspect fired on the vehicle of Concho County Sheriff Richard Doane when the sheriff came upon him, according to DPS. Mr Doane was wounded and hospitalised.

A state trooper and game warden then found and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was killed.

An assault rifle, handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were recovered, DPS said.

Concho County authorities deferred comment on Monday to the DPS office in Austin. Phone messages left there were not immediately returned.