BROWNSVILLE – A 56-year-old Brownsville man was shot and killed by an inmate who escaped from a prison guard. The inmate was on his way to the dentist.

Brownsville Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez said after escaping, Miguel Diaz Garcia entered a residence along Fruitdale Drive. According to authorities, Garcia shot the homeowner, Mario Alfredo Martinez, after demanding the keys to Martinez's car. Rodriguez said Martinez died from his injuries.

Neighbors began hearing of the news after 1:30 p.m. Thursday when police began a manhunt in the area. David Musso lives adjacent to the property where the shooting happened. He told CHANNEL 5 NEWS he was surprised to hear then news.

"Typically, it’s a very quiet neighborhood," he said.  

Police searched his yard before telling his son, who was home at the time, to lock the doors. "They didn't tell him why," Musso explained. "They just said they were looking for someone and wanted to check it out."

Authorities said soon after Garcia carjacked Martinez’s vehicle, a chase ensued throughout Cameron County. DPS Lt. Johnny Hernandez said the chase ended in San Benito after the escapee and law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire.