Texas Father Fatally Shoots Suspected Carjacker After Attempting to Steal Family Vehicle with 8 People Inside; No Charges Expected [VIDEO]

GARLAND, Texas — A Texas father fatally shot a man attempting to steal his family’s car while his children and other relatives were inside, Garland police confirmed. Authorities said the father will not face charges, calling the incident a clear case of self-defense.

The confrontation began Sunday afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., after the suspect crashed into two vehicles along Highway 66, roughly 18 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. The driver fled the crash scene and went to a nearby gas station, where he reportedly attempted to forcibly take multiple vehicles.

Surveillance video obtained by Fox 4 shows the suspect approaching the father’s white Chevrolet Impala in a shopping center parking lot across the street. The father, inside the car with his young children and two adult women, immediately engaged the suspect.

Lt. Barineau of the Garland Police Department said, “That driver was defending himself and was fighting with that suspect. The car was occupied by several children as well as two other female adults.”

During the struggle, the father drew a firearm and fired over 10 rounds, fatally wounding the suspect. No members of the family were injured.

Witnesses at nearby businesses described the tense scene. Tatiana Starks, manager of Garland Smoke and Vape, said, “You could definitely tell that he [the suspect] was not in his right state of mind. I’m just glad that the man was able to protect himself and his family.”

Residents in the area praised the father’s quick reaction. Taylor Standfield said, “I have three kids. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to keep them safe. That kind of stuff is split-second.”

Police confirmed that no charges are expected against the father. The investigation is ongoing to determine why the suspect attempted to steal the vehicle. Authorities stressed the fortunate outcome: the family escaped unharmed.