Police officer, bystander killed in Texas shooting

Updated: 2012-12-25 03:37

(Xinhua)

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HOUSTON - A police officer and a bystander were shot dead Sunday morning in the Texas city of Houston, officials said.

Witnesses said the driver of a white pickup pulled into the parking lot of a Maaco shop after he damaged another motorist's vehicle, according to an online report by newspaper The Houston Chronicle on Monday.

A police officer get out of his patrol car, opened the door of the pickup and tried to get the man out, then the driver reportedly pulled a gun and started firing, gunning down the officer, an eye witness said.

Then the suspect began firing other shots around the area, killing an innocent bystander, who was the Maaco shop's manager, according to the report.

The suspect ran off on foot after the shooting, before officers wounded him just a few doors down, authorities say.

The suspect was reportedly shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The police officer was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the report.

The suspect's identity was not currently available.