He was indiscriminately firing in the area. Like the vet who was shot dead a few years ago, a guy who already has demonstrated his willingness to endanger others' lives cannot be "waited out" as long as he has a high-powered rifle that can kill at a very long distance. These guys want to die and it's hard not to fulfill their wish when they actively threaten others. Remember, officers do not wish to nor should be expected to engage in a "fair" shootout. It's a job to them, not a spiritual calling.