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A carjacker was shot dead in a confrontation in a Garland, Texas, car park after a driver opened fire to protect the occupants of a vehicle - including two young children.

Garland Police confirmed the armed driver will face no charges, with authorities treating the shooting as an act of self-defence.

Investigators revealed the incident began on Sunday afternoon when the suspect crashed into two vehicles, abandoned a green car at a nearby petrol station, and attempted to force his way into other cars. "He crashed into two vehicles, parked in a gas station, and immediately began trying to force his way into other vehicles," said Lt. Pedro Barineau of the Garland Police Department.

Authorities said the suspect then crossed the road into another car park and approached a white car containing several occupants, including children.

"From there, he actually crossed the street to the parking lot on the other side of the street," Barineau said. Police stated the suspect attempted to gain entry to the vehicle, and the driver fought him off as a young boy fled to safety.

"That driver was defending himself and was fighting with that suspect. The car was occupied by several children as well as two other female adults," Barineau said.

Following a brief struggle, investigators said the driver produced his own firearm, moved to the passenger side, and discharged more than 10 rounds, striking the suspect. Footage of the shooting now forms part of the investigation. Police confirmed the driver remained at the scene and surrendered his weapon. "We are looking at this as a self-defense case," Barineau said. "We're also looking into why this suspect did what he did."

Local resident Taylor Standfield, who witnessed the aftermath, believes the driver acted to safeguard his passengers.

"I have three kids. I'm gonna do whatever it takes to keep them safe. That kind of stuff is split-second," Standfield said. "It's hard to imagine what it's even like being in that situation with the adrenaline and knowing that you have kids in your vehicle."

Police confirmed that nobody inside the targeted vehicle sustained any injuries.

Tatiana Starks, a manager at Garland Smoke and Vape who observed the shooting from a neighbouring shopping centre, said the suspect appeared to be in a troubled state beforehand.

"You could definitely tell that he was not in his right state of mind," Starks told Fox 4. "I'm just glad that the man was able to protect himself and his family.

"It's just a blessing that the kids and the family walked away with no injuries," she added.