HOUSTON -- A 10-year-old boy shot his father to death in front of the boy's west Harris County home Friday afternoon, officials told Local 2.

Investigators said the shooting happened at 3:50 p.m. in the 1700 block of Cedar Cove Court at Park Maple.

Harris County Precinct 5 deputy constables said the boy shot his 45-year-old father twice in the back as the man tried to run away.

"I was walking home from school, around the corner, and I just heard four (quick) shots," said Justin Gray, a neighbor.

The critically injured man was transported by LifeFlight Helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He died a short time later.

Law enforcement officials said they have been called to the home previously in an ongoing family dispute.

The parents were separated with two sons, 10 and 7 years old.

The boys apparently did not want to spend weekends with their father and fighting ensued when he picked them up for his visitation.

Officers said the boy's mother recently purchased a pistol, which is believed to be the weapon.

It's not yet known how the boy got a hold of it.

The victim's name was not released.