Texas Police Officer Injured During Shootout in Garland

In a shootout that spread across three separate crime scenes and included about 100 gunshots, a Garland police officer was injured by a man opening fire on law enforcement. That man was later killed by police in a suicide-by-cop attempt.

The Shooting Death of Bernardo Mares

Early morning on Monday, February 24 when officers responded to multiple emergency calls claiming there was someone firing their gun nearby. During one of the calls, at least 10 gunshots were heard in the background, Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan stated.

24-year-old Bernardo Mares was shot and killed after he ambushed police officers in Garland, TX.

Read More: WATCH: Shocking Surveillance Video Shows Garland Gunfight

As the responding officers arrived at the location, they were reportedly ambushed before they could exit the squad car. One officer was struck with a bullet in the leg before being able to escape and seek medical help.

As backup officers arrived, Mares fled in a white pickup truck, triggering a vehicle pursuit. Eventually, Mares exited his vehicle and hid behind a group of parked cars. He then continued to open fire on the approaching officers before fleeing through residential properties to a house that belonged to a family member of his.

Chief Bryan stated, in the press conference that occurred after the incident, that the family members within the home were able to be evacuated safely.

Nearly two hours after police first responded to the emergency call, Mares finally emerged from the house holding an object in his hand and taking a "shooter stance" towards the surrounding officers.

Police then opened fire on Mares, wounding him where he later died at the hospital from his injuries. It is unclear as to what the item actually was that Mares was pointing toward police, but Chief Bryan speculated it was a magazine from one of his firearms.

By the end of the altercation, an estimated 100 shots were exchanged during the gunfight. Eight Garland police officers discharged their firearms and were placed on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded.

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Chief Bryan included in the press conference the confusion as to what sparked this attack:

At this time, we do not yet understand what prompted Mr. Mares to engage these shootings in his attempt to kill multiple police officers, but according to witnesses, he indicated that he was not going to jail and he was going to force officers to kill him

The injured officer is expected to make a full recovery, and the investigation continues to unfold as officials discover Mares' motives.