AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) – A Texas state trooper fatally shot the driver of a stolen Fort Worth Fire\/EMS ambulance Thursday morning after a chase down Interstate 35 that left multiple vehicles rammed and the upper deck of the highway closed for hours, according to CBS Austin.<\/p>\n
The Texas Department of Public Safety said troopers were notified at 6:30 a.m. that a Fort Worth Fire\/EMS ambulance had been stolen and was traveling southbound on I-35 in Williamson County. <\/p>\n
Troopers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and began evading law enforcement, according to DPS.<\/p>\n
As the ambulance continued south near U.S. 290 in Austin, the driver began intentionally ramming multiple civilian vehicles, CBS Austin reports. <\/p>\n
Troopers attempted a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle, but those efforts were unsuccessful, according to DPS.<\/p>\n
The ambulance continued ramming vehicles as it drove onto the upper deck of I-35, according to CBS Austin. <\/p>\n
A trooper then discharged a firearm, striking the driver. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The person\u2019s identity had not been released, per CBS Austin.<\/p>\n
The Austin Police Department first announced the closure shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, initially describing it as an \u201cactive law enforcement\u201d incident involving DPS. APD later updated that the roadway would be closed from U.S. 183 into downtown Austin.<\/p>\n
The Texas Rangers are on scene and actively investigating the officer-involved shooting, according to CBS Austin.<\/p>\n
DPS said the southbound upper deck of I-35 will remain closed until the investigation is complete. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes, CBS Austin says.<\/p>\n
This is a developing story.<\/p>\n