MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — A Midlothian police officer fired at suspects who were trying to steal vehicles from the Mid Texas International Center, then tried to hit or run over the officer in a vehicle, according to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s unclear whether any of the suspects were hit.
Police responded to the car dealer in the 100 block of Center Drive shortly before 4 a.m. Friday.
“The officer observed a suspicious vehicle on the property and while investigating, he encountered suspects attempting to steal multiple vehicles from the business,” a press release reads. “During the encounter, the suspects attempted to run over or strike the officer with their vehicle, at which time, the officer fired his weapon at the suspects.”
Officers chased the suspects into Dallas, where they left the vehicle and ran away, deputies say. The suspects are expected to be charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer, officials say.
The officer was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, treated, and released.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force will be leading the investigation into the attempted theft and damage of multiple vehicles.
Those with any information are asked to contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office at 972-937-6060 or Crime Stoppers of Ellis County tip line at 972-937-PAYS (7297).
