Texas police officer in critical condition, suspect dead after shootout
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fort Worth Police Officer Matt Pearce. (Fort Worth Police Department)
A Fort Worth police officer is in critical condition Wednesday after suffering “life-threatening” injuries in a shootout with a fugitive and his son that left one suspect dead, police say.
The shootout began Tuesday afternoon after Fort Worth police fugitive task force officers tried to apprehend 43-year-old Ed McIver Sr., who was with his 20-year-old son, Ed McIver Jr. The elder McIver was killed in the exchange of gunfire. His son eluded officers before being captured hours later with a rifle, authorities said.
McIver Sr. was wanted on three felony warrants — for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault/family violence and bail jumping, according to Fort Worth police spokeswoman Cpl. Tracey Knight.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The shooting took place in an open field off Texas Route 820 in Fort Worth at the end of a chase involving police and the suspects, according to Fox 4.
The elder McIver was driving when officers asked him to pull over his vehicle. He instead drove off. Father and son eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area, according to authorities.
The wounded officer was identified as Matt Pearce, the Fort Worth Police Department said late Tuesday in a statement. Pearce, who has worked for the department since 2009, was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital and is listed in critical condition.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pearce sustained multiple gunshot wounds, according to Matt Zavadsky, a spokesman for emergency responder MedStar. He has undergone surgery, Fox 4 reports.
"I would request everyone please pray," Fort Worth police spokeswoman Corporal Tracey Knight told Fox 4 on Tuesday.
A handgun was found near the elder McIver, who was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. His son was found after hundreds of law enforcement officers scoured a 2-square-mile perimeter in west Fort Worth.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Footage from news helicopters showed numerous police officers at the scene along with a medical helicopter.
Police say charges of criminal attempt of capital murder, evading arrest and unlawful carrying of a weapon are pending against McIver Jr.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.