WESTBROOK – A motorist from Texas was shot by police early Thursday when he attacked them with a knife during a confrontation that began after his broken-down car was spotted along the Westbrook Arterial, police said.

Thomas Moulton, 41, was listed in critical condition at Maine Medical Center.

In accordance with standard practice, the state Attorney General’s Office was investigating the shooting to determine whether law enforcement officers were justified in using deadly force.

The incident unfolded at 1:21 a.m. when another motorist reported that Moulton’s white Chevrolet Camaro was spotted sitting in the eastbound lane of the roadway, near Westbrook High School.

The car apparently hit something – it may have sped over a median – which knocked off a left front tire and the oil pan, bringing the vehicle to a halt, Police Chief Paul McCarthy said.

Moulton refused to cooperate with officers and remained inside the car, the chief said, adding that police spotted two knives, a club and a container of bear repellent in his lap.

When police broke a window on the passenger side of the vehicle, Moulton sprayed them with the chemical, temporarily blinding several of the officers, the chief said. Moulton fled with a knife in hand, and officers gave chase.

Police cornered Moulton, setting off a two-hour standoff during which he threatened police negotiators and himself with the knife, police said.

When Moulton attacked police with the weapon, three officers fired, McCarthy said. It was not immediately known how many times Moulton was shot.

A half-ounce of cocaine, an ounce of marijuana and several thousand dollars in cash were found in Moulton’s possession, police said, and he was charged with drug trafficking.

Moulton’s last known address was in El Paso, Texas, but he formerly lived in Westbrook and had convictions for assault, assault on a police officer, possession of a firearm by a felon and burglary.

Part of the busy Westbrook Arterial was closed for more than eight hours during the standoff and subsequent investigation.