Mansfield Police Shoot Man With Gun Outside IHOP Restaurant
MANSFIELD (CBSDFW.COM) - A suspect remains hospitalized after an officer involved shooting at a restaurant in Mansfield.
The incident happened in the early morning hours at the IHOP restaurant off Highway 287.
Witnesses tell CBS 11 News a man came into the restaurant, pulled out a weapon, and began waving it around. Concerned diners called 911 and when responding officers arrived they set up perimeter, allowing customers to exit out the back of the restaurant.
Mansfield police Sgt. Travis Waybourn explained, "Officers never made it inside, [they] set up a perimeter knowing they had someone inside the store with a weapon." Officers at the scene say they saw the man "pointing his gun in several different directions as he was moving through the restaurant."
The suspect, who has not been identified, also attempted to leave the building "while displaying the weapon." Police say the man ignored verbal commands and continued to approach an officer who then "fired on the suspect striking him in the lower torso."
Waybourn said the first officer on the scene put himself between the restaurant customers and employees and the suspect, "and did his job to protect them."
The suspect was taken to Medical City Arlington where he underwent surgery. He is currently listed in critical condition. No police officers or civilians were injured.
The Texas Rangers are assisting Mansfield police with the investigation.
