A Texas police officer was seriously injured in a shooting early Tuesday, and a search is on for the accused gunman.
The shooting happened shortly before 2 a.m. when Big Spring police and Howard County sheriff's deputies responded to the scene of a report of an armed person at a bar, KCBD-TV reports. At the scene, officers discovered a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's and tried to make a stop.
A chase ensued, and the suspect—identified as Orlando Montanez, 42—crashed into a fence. When a Big Spring police officer ordered Montanez to exit his vehicle and surreneder, the suspect began shooting.
The officer was struck but was able to return fire before taking cover behind his cruiser. Montanez fled on foot.
The officer was airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock, and his injuries were described as serious.
A manhunt is underway for Montanez. The incident is under investigation by the Texas Rangers.
