'A heartbreaking situation': Clear Lake Shores domestic disturbance, standoff results in fatal shooting

An early morning domestic disturbance and subsequent standoff Wednesday (March 9) in a small waterfront city in northeast Galveston County resulted in a shooting that claimed the life of a man. 

Authorities say police officers shot the man after he fired at one officer and brandished a weapon at SWAT team members in the 900 block of Grove Road in Clear Lake Shores, the Galveston County Daily News reported.

An officer was reported injured during the early stages of the incident.

According to the publication, the officer had been speaking to a man about the disturbance at the residence just after 5 a.m. when the man moved inward toward the house.

The officer allegedly heard a semi-automatic rifle being prepped to fire, as well as some gunshots.

Clear Lake Shores Police Chief Tracy Keele told the Galveston County Daily News while the officer wasn't shot, he fell off the porch while escaping the gunfire and injured his shoulder. 

“He heard the shots being fired," Keele said, according to the Galveston County Daily News. "There was what appeared to be rounds coming through the wall.”

The officer summoned for backup, including the SWAT team made up of officers from the League City, Alvin and Pearland police departments, as the man inside barricaded himself for what would be four hours, according to the publication.

Amid occasional gunfire, officers attempt to negotiate with the suspect.

Around 9:30 a.m., the Galveston County Daily News reported, negotiations were still in progress when the man appeared outside with the weapon after gas canisters were shot into the home and pointed it at police, prompting officers to open fire.

The suspect, who wasn't immediately identified, had been shot multiple times, Keele told the publication.

Clear Lake Shores Mayor Kurt Otten issued a statement about the incident.

"Today, our community experienced a heartbreaking situation involving a domestic disturbance that resulted in the loss of one of our neighbors," Otten said. "I’m heartbroken for the officer who was injured in the line of duty, and for our fellow neighbor and family members currently grieving their loss."

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is heading the investigation.