DALLAS SHOOTING: Paramedic Remains in Critical Condition While Suspect, 2nd Person Found Dead

The paramedic shot by a gunman Monday morning remains in critical condition and has been moved to the ICU for further treatment and monitoring. Police found the suspect, and another victim, dead inside a home in the neighborhood where shooting broke out at about 11:30 Monday morning.

FINAL UPDATE: NBCDFW reported the as yet unidentified DFR paramedic survived his surgery and is now in the ICU for treatment and monitoring. The 11-year veteran firefighter is listed in critical but stable condition. Interim Dallas Police Chief David Pughes said officers received a tip about where the suspect might be hiding. Police officers sent a robot into a house to determine if the suspect was inside. The search revealed the bodies of a man believed to be the suspect and another victim, both deceased. Police have not released the identity of the victim, nor have they confirmed the shooter’s identity. The wounded paramedic is expected to require further surgery and extensive medical treatments to fully recover.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: Dallas Police will hold a press conference at 3:45 to provide updated information.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: Dallas Fire and Rescue Tweeted their paramedic is still in critical condition. A new update will be sent out in one hour.

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: Dallas Police report that Dallas Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene where a person had been shot and immediately began treatment. “During this time, a suspect approached the area and then opened fire. Ultimately, an EMT/Paramedic was wounded. Observing the condition of the EMT/Paramedic, DPD transported him to Baylor Hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition.”

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: NBCDFW Anchor Kris Gutierrez reports from near the scene that additional SWAT officers were arriving to assist in the search for the gunman. He observed the SWAT team members putting on tactical gear in preparation for some type of action.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Dallas Morning News reports the initial call came from the wife or girlfriend of the shooter. When first responders arrived, the man opened fire, striking the paramedic multiple times and wounding a neighbor in the arm.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: WFAA reports the wounded firefighter “coded three times” duirng surgery. He remains in critical condition at this time. A witness told reporters she heard four or five gunshots when the man reportedly fired on the paramedics.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: NBCDFW reports a woman came home to find her boyfriend laying on the ground with a gun. She apparently called for assistance.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: WFAA confirmed a neighbor who was standing outside when firefighters arrived at their service call arrived was also wounded. That neighbor is reported to be in stable condition. The shooter remains at large. Police have established a 2-mile perimeter around the original shooting scene.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: The Dallas Morning News reported paramedics may have been responded to a suicide call. The wounded firefighter is said to be an 11-year veteran of Dallas Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m.: NBCDFW reports the area where the shooting took place is consistently listed as one of the most dangerous areas in Dallas. At this time, the injured firefighter is still in surgery.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: NBCDFW is reporting that a neighbor near the home of the shooting has been injured and is in stable condition. WFAA is reporting that police have surrounded a home on Reynolds Avenue in East Dallas. 

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:

The Tweet from the Dallas Police Department confirms other messages on social media that an active shooter opened fire on firefighters in Old East Dallas. The firefighter is reported to be from a responding EMT/Paramedic Unit. Dallas Fire and Rescue is now referring to the wounded firefighter as a paramedic. All Dallas paramedics/emergency medical technicians are trained first as firefighters and are cross trained to provide emergency medical care.

Dallas police officers have surrounded a home in the area and are trying to apprehend the shooting suspect, WFAA reported about noon on Monday.

Officers may have been pinned down during a shootout with the gunman, the Dallas Police Association Tweeted.

NBCDFW reported the firefighter sustained several gunshot wounds.

Police at the scene informed reporter Ashley Berry that firefighters responded to a home to provide assistance to someone inside the home. A gunman opened fire on the firefighters for an as yet unknown reason. Police said the gunman is armed with a rifle, she reported. The man fled the house and police are conducting a manhunt for the assailant. Residents in the area are being advised to remain indoors.

An ambulance transported the wounded firefighter/paramedic to Baylor Medical Center Dallas where he is now reported to be in surgery.

The attack on the Dallas firefighters came at the same time Texas Governor Greg Abbott was honoring firefighters and other first responders in a ceremony in Austin, Texas.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Tweeted a message of support for the wounded first responder.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.