AURORA, Colo. -- There were tragic consequences in a domestic dispute in Aurora last night.

Police said a man shot his wife in the couple's front yard about 20 minutes after police visited the home on a report of a loud argument.

Police said Lorraine Johnson, 48, was shot in the upper torso. She remained in critical condition Monday morning at the Medical Center of Aurora South. Eddie M. Johnson, 45, was taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

Police spokesman Marcus Dudley said officers first went to the home in the 1500 block of Ironton Street around 6:20 p.m. to investigate a report of domestic violence.

The 911 caller told police there was a gun in the residence, but it was not involved in the dispute.

Dudley said Johnson and his wife told officers they could resolve their conflicts. Police left the residence after determining that no criminal activity had taken place.

About 20 minutes later, police received a report of gunshots at the location.

Dudley said officers were at the home for about 40 minutes -- but didn't have a lot of options because the couple didn't want to file charges.

Police said the couple's two adult daughters and two granddaughters lived with them but were unhurt.

Eddie M. Johnson was being held Monday on suspicion of criminal attempt first-degree murder, and was being held Monday at the Aurora Municipal Detention Center.

Neighbors said the husband was retired from the military and worked security at Buckley Air Force Base, while the wife worked at an automobile dealership.

"I liked the guy. He hardly ever said a word to me," said Pauline Murphy, a neighbor.

Police said Eddie Johnson Eddie Johnson has a criminal history that showed a previous arrest September 2003, on misdemeanor domestic assault and battery charges. His wife was listed as the victim in that case.