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FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police officer is in critical condition after being wounded in a shootout Tuesday afternoon.
Police have asked for prayers for Officer Matthew Pearce. The 7-year veteran had surgery and is in intensive care at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
Officer Pearce was shot when a fugitive task force tried to arrest a wanted felon, Ed Mciver Sr. He was with his 21-year-old son, Ed Mciver Jr., in an SUV.
Police said the father and son took off as officers planned to make a traffic stop. Officers chased their SUV from Interstate 30 and Hulen Street to far west Fort Worth.
“There were two males in it. But it went by so fast, that’s about all I can grab. But everybody was just like, ‘Oh my God, they’re chasing him.’ But they were going real fast,” said Christina Robinson, who saw the chase.
The men got out of the SUV and ran into a wooded area, firing shots at officers. Pearce was hit multiple times and Mciver Sr. was killed in the shootout.
Officers set up a perimeter around the area and arrested McIver Jr hours later. He could face attempted capital murder and other charges.
Friends and family tell FOX 4 they are optimistic about the officer’s recovery. They said he has some bleeding in his chest and a bruised heart, but doctors have been able to keep his vitals under control.
The Fort Worth Police Department is still encouraging the community to pray.
“I would request everybody please pray,” said Fort Worth police spokeswoman Tracy Knight.
The Fort Worth police chief has been at the hospital and visited with Pearce’s wife, who is a nurse at another hospital. The officer also has two young daughters.
“So she understands what this job entails. She’s got our prayers and quite frankly she’s a beautiful woman. I haven’t met much of his family. He’s only been on a few years. You know, you hate to meet family on occasions like these, but I can tell you she’s holding up,” said Chief Joel Fitzgerald.
LINK: https://www.gofundme.com/herodown
The Fort Worth City Credit Unit has set up an account for anyone who would like to support Officer Pearce, please mention "Officer Matt Pearce" when making your donation.
FWCCU Locations:
505 W. Felix St 76115.
2309 Montgomery St 76107.