A Los Angeles Police Officer was shot and critically injured Monday morning in Sylmar while responding to a domestic violence call.

Police responded to the domestic violence call, but the man refused to answer the door. A team of dog handlers was sent in and the man began firing at the officers.

The gunman shot Officer Steve Jenkins in the jaw as he and other officers approached the house. He was also hit in the shoulder area and a bullet entered his chest cavity, according to LAPD Chief, Charlie Beck.

"He is a true hero,” Beck said. “This is a tragedy.”

Jenkins, a 22-year veteran and canine officer, was transported to Providence Holy Cross Hospital. He underwent surgery and is said to be in “critical and guarded condition.”

Jenkins’ wife is a LAPD sergeant and his son is also a police officer.

In a statement regarding the shooting, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, “The tragedy serves as a powerful reminder that the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department put their lives on the line each and every day to maintain peace in our communities.”

The gunman stayed inside his home after the shooting. A little before 10 a.m. SWAT officers fired tear gas into the suspect’s residence, according to LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman. As a result, the gunman fired shots, which forced LAPD officers to fire back. No officers were injured.

The suspect is still in his residence. It is still unclear whether he was injured in the shooting. He is said to be a Hispanic man in his fifties.

LAPD was first called to the scene at 10:38p.m. on Sunday in response to a domestic violence dispute, said Neiman. The gunman’s wife, who Beck described as “badly battered,” made the call.

Residents in the neighborhood have been evacuated to Sylmar High School.