2 Texas police officers killed, another wounded

updated 10:58 a.m. ET Sept. 9, 2007

ODESSA, Texas - Two police officers responding to a domestic disturbance were killed and a third was critically wounded by a gunman who led authorities on an hours-long standoff, authorities said.

Investigators said a woman leaving the home Saturday night told the responding officers her husband had hit her. When the officers were unable to enter the house through the front door, they tried to go in the back door, where a man came out shooting at them, said Tela Mange, a Department of Public Safety spokeswoman.

The suspected gunman, Larry White, 58, went back into the house, where he held police in a four-hour standoff until he surrendered around 10 p.m., Mange said.

The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting deaths of Odessa Cpl. Arlie Jones, 48, and Cpl. John “Scott” Gardner, Mange said.

Cpl. Abel Marquez remained hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in the face, Mange said.

White, who was shot in the abdomen and was in stable condition at a hospital under police guard, likely will face two counts of capital murder and attempted murder of an officer, Mange said. It was not immediately clear who shot White.

“This is a tragic day for Odessa,” Mayor Larry Melton said. “Our concern now is for the families of the officers.”

Odessa is about 300 miles west of Austin.

More from msnbc.com Obama on health care policy: ‘No free lunch’ Superbug slips through food-safety net Interactive: Top contenders at the British Open Timeline: Reliving NASA's glory days 'Half-Blood Prince' is strong warm-up for finale Traveling with your pet? Keep ’em safe

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Cops ponder ‘gap’ in Fla. slayings Jury recommends life in 'Alpha Dog' slaying Teen convicted of soliciting dad’s killing Driver shot to death near U.S. Capitol Police: 'Fight Club' inspired Starbucks blast Cemetery owner denies scam involvement Witness: Minister took 8-year-old bride Death of Caylee Anthony still captivates Jackson probe not being treated as homicide Autistic girl arrested; parents sue school Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: