A father with a family of eight was forced to shoot a man who attempted to drive away with his car while his family members were still seated in the backseat, according to Texas police.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday in the parking lot near Highway 66 and Dairy Road in Garland. Police reported that the would-be carjacker crashed into two vehicles before targeting a white sedan.
Surveillance video captured the man in a peach shirt walking nonchalantly toward the family’s vehicle, where he immediately engaged in a physical altercation with the father for approximately one minute. The suspect eventually forced his way into the driver’s seat. The father then ran to the other side of the car and shot the man who was still inside.
The would-be carjacker died at a nearby hospital, and police stated they are still working to identify him.
Tatiana Starks, manager of a smoke shop near the incident, described the suspect as “not in his right state of mind.” She noted that he tried to gain access to several vehicles before focusing on the family’s sedan.
Police indicated they do not expect to file charges against the father because he would have been unable to determine if the carjacker was armed at the time. Lieutenant Pedro Barineau explained: “It seemed to be self-defense, and it all happened really fast.”
Authorities confirmed that no weapon was recovered from the suspect, though a firearm was found with the father.
