FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth police officer and former firefighter is fighting for his life after being shot several times in a shootout with a wanted criminal Tuesday.
KLEWTV.com reported police officers pulled a vehicle over in an attempt to serve a felony warrant on 42-year-old Ed McIver for charges of assault and skipping bail. McIver and his son, Ed Russel McIver Jr. fled from the vehicle and then exchanged gunfire with police.
Officer Matt Pearce was shot three times in the chest and once in the leg. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Prior to joining the police force, Pearce served as a reserve firefighter from 2000 to 2005 for the Pullman (Wash.) Fire Department.
“I enjoyed having Matt there,” said Pullman Fire Chief Mike Heston. “He always had a smile on his face. He was a can do individual. Anytime I had a project that needed to be done he was always my go to person for that. I could always count on him.”
Ed McIver Sr. was killed in the gun fight. Ed Russel McIver Jr. has been charged with attempted murder, evading arrest and unlawful carrying of a weapon.