The man who allegedly carjacked a trash truck in front of the Encore Casino in Everett, Massachusetts on Thursday is in critical condition after he was shot by police, investigators said. 

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Admilson Vizcaino of Malden, was armed with a knife and was tased several times by officers, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said.

Vizcaino crashed the trash truck on the Alford Street in Bridge in Boston and was taken into custody. 

According to Ryan, Medford police received a call hours earlier Thursday afternoon about Vizcaino acting erratically at a gas station. He left in a black SUV, and police in Stoneham later attempted to pull him over. About an hour later, there was a report of a shoplifting at a 7-Eleven in Billerica using the same vehicle. 

Police then received a call from a family member who told them Vizcaino was in Malden. Police followed the SUV, but lost track of it when it entered Everett. 

Carjacking in Everett

Vizcaino then crashed the SUV on Broadway in front of the Encore Casino and attempted to enter other cars but was unsuccessful, Ryan said. Four canisters of gasoline, which he had allegedly been seen carrying at the 7-Eleven, were later found in the SUV. 

Police surrounded Vizcaino as he approached a Republic Services trash truck that was stopped at a red light. The passenger was able to get out, and after a struggle with the driver, Vizcaino was able to get into the truck. 

"The officer discharged his weapon as Mr. Vizcaino was attempting to tear open the door of the trash truck," Ryan said. It is unclear how many times Vizcaino was shot. 

Vizcaino then drove the trash truck into Boston on the Alford Street Bridge, striking several light poles and fire hydrants, Ryan said. A Massachusetts State Police trooper attempted to use stop sticks. The truck became disabled on the bridge against the guardrail. 

Suspect in critical condition

Vizcaino was removed from the truck by officers and taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition. 

The truck was badly damaged, and fuel leaked onto the roadway. The bridge was closed for hours as crews cleaned up the mess in the height of the evening commute. It created near gridlock traffic in surrounding communities. 

Everett Police Chief Paul Strong said the officer who fired their gun has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard department policy. 

"It is more likely than not that these officers and troopers saved many lives today during this event," Strong said. 

Vizcaino faces several charges including two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of attempted armed carjacking, assault, and motor vehicle charges. He will be arraigned at a later date.