Irving police are investigating a shootout between officers and a wanted man.
An Irving police representative said Wednesday that officers had received a call about a domestic dispute between a man and who officers believe is the man's wife.
Investigators said the man was threatening to shoot the woman and her children.
Officers obtained a description of the man's sport utility vehicle and, later that evening, spotted him driving in Irving. Officers attempted to pull the man over, but he took off, leading them on a short chase.
In the 600 block of Balleywood Road, the man pulled into a driveway and jumped out of the SUV with an assault rifle, police said. The man then started shooting, police said.
The officers fired back, hitting the man an unknown number of times.
Paramedics transported him to Parkland Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition Wednesday night.
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The shootout unfolded in front of stunned neighbors.
“Loose bullets everywhere, police got out, started shooting, one officer got out, got his shot gun, bent down, shot him. He hit the floor, that’s when the ambulance got here, picked him up and they put him in there,” says witness Jennifer Marie Matamoros. “From what I saw, the gentleman tried to run, but didn’t get to escape, so that’s when the policemen started shooting at him.”
None of the officers were injured in the shooting.
“It’s very crazy. My heart is still beating. I’m still scared even though it’s not me. I’m just blessed to see no one else was hurt,” says Matamoros. “For me being a citizen of Irving, it’s scary because you never know when something like this is going to happen and when your life is going to be in danger.”
Police have not released the name of the gunman or the names of the officers that were involved in the shooting.
NBC 5's Kendra Lyn contributed to this report.
