Dad pulls out gun and ‘fires on suspected carjacker to save family’ | US | News

A car thief was shot to death in a parking lot in Garland, Texas, during a shootout after a driver opened fire to protect the occupants of the vehicle, including two young children.

Garland Police confirmed that the armed driver will not face any charges, and authorities are treating the attack as an act of self-defense.

Investigators discovered the incident began Sunday afternoon when the suspect crashed two vehicles, abandoned a green car at a nearby gas station and tried to force his way into other cars. “He hit two vehicles, parked at a gas station, and immediately tried to get into other vehicles,” said Lt. Pedro Barineau of the Garland Police Department.

Authorities said the suspect then crossed the road into another parking lot and approached a white car with several passengers, including children.

“From there he crossed the street and went to the parking lot on the other side of the street,” Barineau said. Police said the suspect attempted to enter the vehicle and the driver struggled with the young boy as he fled to safety.

“The driver was defending himself and fighting with the suspect. There were several children and two other adult women in the car,” Barineau said.

After a brief struggle, investigators said the driver pulled out his own firearm, moved to the passenger side and fired more than 10 shots at the suspect. Footage of the conflict now forms part of the investigation. Police confirmed the driver remained at the scene and surrendered his gun. “We’re looking at this as a self-defense case,” Barineau said. “We are also investigating why this suspect did this.”

Local resident Taylor Standfield, who witnessed the incident, believes the driver acted to protect his passengers.

“I have three kids. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. These things are momentary,” Standfield said. “It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be in that situation because of the adrenaline rush and knowing you have kids in your vehicle.”

Police confirmed that no one in the targeted vehicle was injured.

Tatiana Starks, manager of Garland Smoke and Vape, who observed the shooting from a nearby shopping mall, said the suspect appeared to be in distress beforehand.

“You could definitely tell he wasn’t in the right mind,” Starks told Fox 4. “I’m glad the man was able to protect himself and his family.

“It is a blessing that the children and family escaped unscathed,” he added.