An alleged thief was shot dead in a Texas motel Tuesday morning after seizing a police officer's baton and beating him with the baton, officials said.
Crederick Joseph, 37, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was shot down shortly after midnight at the Merit Inn and Suites in Beaumont, 150 km east of Houston.
Officers were sent to the motel after receiving reports of an intruder.
The police officer, who was deeply wounded in the face, shot Joseph, said Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary. The suspect was declared dead on the scene. It is unknown how many shots were fired or where Joseph was shot.
The clerk suffered minor injuries. The officer, who has been working in the department for 17 months, was placed under the administrative aspect during the shooting investigation.
Local media reported that Joseph had a long criminal history, including avoiding being arrested.
