A father of two is hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being shot by a Tiverton police officer late Wednesday night. Tiverton Police Chief Patrick Jones said they received a 911 call from a relative of the husband's wife, who reported that the man was inside the house with her, intoxicated and threatening her with a high-powered rifle.

Chief Jones said four officers approached the house at 222 Pelletier Lane at about 11:25 p.m. They ordered the 44-year-old to lower his weapon, but he pointed it at the officers, according to the chief.

One officer, an 18 1/2-year veteran of the department, fired twice and hit the man with both shots — one in the chest and one through the arm. He put the rifle down and Tiverton rescue later transported him to Rhode Island Hospital.

Chief Jones said they are familiar with the suspect, who has a history of domestic incidents with his wife. The couple have two children, ages 6 and 8, who were home at the time of the incident. Other than the suspect, no other family members were injured.

Asked if any officers were injured, Chief Jones said, "No, thank God."

He believes the officer's actions were justifiable under the circumstances. "From everything I know, I feel the officer’s actions were completely justified in this incident," he said.