LITTLE ELM, Texas – A police detective has been shot while answering a report of an armed man outside a house in a suburban Dallas neighborhood.

Authorities say the episode unfolded about 3 p.m. when Little Elm police were told a man was seen outside a house, armed with a rifle or shotgun. Denton County sheriff's Lt. Orlando Hinojosa says officers arrived to find an armed man screaming at them from a backyard.

As the officers withdrew, the man ducked into the house and opened fire from a window, wounding Little Elm police Detective Jerry Walker in the neck. Walker later was pronounced dead from the injury.

Tactical squad officers arrived and a hours-long standoff ensued.

Little Elm Fire Chief Brian Roach confirmed that the standoff with the barricaded gunman ended around 10:30 p.m.

The suspect was found dead inside the home.

At this point, the do not know the cause of death.

Investigators will remain at the scene overnight into the morning as this is still an active crime scene.

Little Elm is about 30 miles north of Dallas.

KPRC2 will provide further details as the story unfolds.