A black man has been shot by police in the US after calling them to his home to report a robbery.
Carl Williams was left fighting for his life after being shot by police in what has been described as a “tragic incident”.
Mr Williams, from Indianapolis, had called officers to report that his wife had been assaulted by a black suspect with a rifle. But when police arrived at the scene, they mistook Mr Williams for the suspect and fired at him.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) have faced a barrage of criticism after Mr Williams, who reportedly had his gun on him, was immediately shot on sight.
Mr Williams had called 911 at 4.34 am to report that his wife was assaulted by a "black male in a red shirt armed with a rifle" who had stolen the couple's car.
When police pulled up to his house, the 48-year-old opened his garage door with his gun in his hand, it is claimed.
An officer with nine years’ experience, then fired, shooting him in the abdomen.
At a press conference broadcasted in RTV6, assistant chief of IMPD Randal Taylor said: "First and foremost this is a tragic incident, involving a homeowner attempting to protect his family and the IMPD officers trying to do the same thing.
"And of course our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the homeowner and the family, who was mistakenly shot by our officer and we wish him a quick recovery."
He added: "The officers involved were forced to make a split second decision based on the information and totality of the circumstances known at the time.
"The officer involved was a nine-year veteran of the east district late shift. Again this was tragic and unforeseen.
“I don't know of any officer who goes out wanting to get into a shootout with anyone, but especially not, as in this case, a homeowner."
Police said that the original suspect is “still at large.”
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