A Texas father fatally shot a would-be carjacker who allegedly tried to steal his vehicle while his family, including young children, were still inside.
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, May 3, when a driver crashed into two vehicles along Highway 66, about 18 miles outside downtown Dallas, at around 3:30 p.m., according to the Garland Police Department.
Police said the driver, whose identity has not been released, fled the scene and later arrived at a nearby gas station, where he was accused of attempting to “take several vehicles by force.”
Surveillance footage obtained by Fox 4 showed the suspect approaching the victim’s white Chevrolet Impala in the parking lot of a shopping center across the street. The suspect walked up to the driver’s side of the vehicle, prompting the father to exit the car.
The father was with several children and two adult women at the time of the confrontation, police said. The suspect allegedly attempted to pull the father away from the vehicle, leading to a struggle as the children and other passengers exited the car.
Authorities said the father then drew a firearm and fired more than 10 shots at the suspect.
The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to Fox 4. Police have not yet identified him, but described him as a Hispanic male.
All occupants of the targeted vehicle, including the children, escaped without injury.
The father remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and handed over his firearm to police. Officials said he is not expected to face charges.
“That driver was defending himself and was fighting with that suspect. The car was occupied by several children as well as two other female adults,” Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau told NBCDFW.
“We are looking at this as a self-defense case. We’re also looking into why this suspect did what he did.”
The incident sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some residents praising the father’s actions.
“I have three kids. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to keep them safe. That kind of stuff is split-second,” resident Taylor Standfield told the outlet. “It’s hard to imagine what it’s even like being in that situation with the adrenaline and knowing that you have kids in your vehicle.”
Tatiana Starks, a manager at a nearby smoke and vape shop who witnessed the shooting, said the suspect appeared to be behaving erratically.
“You could definitely tell that he was not in his right state of mind,” she told Fox 4. “I’m just glad that the man was able to protect himself and his family.”
“It’s just a blessing that the kids and the family walked away with no injuries,” she added.
