ABC News October 29, 2019

Texas officer in critical condition after being shot in head at traffic stop

WATCH: Texas police officer shot, critically injured during traffic stop

A Texas police officer is in critical condition after being shot in the head during a traffic stop on Tuesday, authorities said.

Urbano Rodriguez Jr., a five-year veteran of the Denton Police Department, initiated a traffic stop for an equipment violation just minutes after midnight, according to police.

Rodriguez was shot in the head and femur, said police, and a back-up officer, Randy Cole, returned fire, striking both suspects in the arm.

(MORE: California sheriff's deputy and father of 3 shot dead while responding to early morning call)

The two suspects, Antwon Pinkston and Michele Stacey, led police on a car chase and were then taken into custody, according to police.

The suspects were medically cleared and taken to jail, police said. Pinkston was charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer, while Stacey, the driver, is being held on a parole violation, police said.

At an afternoon news conference Denton Police Chief Frank Dixon praised Cole, the back-up officer, who has worked with the Denton Police Department for less than one year.

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A Denton police officer was shot during an officer-involved shooting in Denton, Texas, Oct. 29, 2019.

Cole helped Rodriguez and put out "vital information" that led to the suspects' capture, he said.

"Officer Cole exhibited tremendous courage, heroism and just a calm, professional, steady hand," Dixon said.

(MORE: New York City police officer shot, killed in struggle with armed suspect in the Bronx)

Rodriguez underwent surgery and remains in critical condition, police said. Recovery is "favorable," Dixon added.

"Keep our officers in your thoughts and prayers," Dixon said.

A motive for the shooting is unclear, the chief said.