Three law enforcement officers killed, five others injured, and one suspect found dead in Charlotte, North Carolina, local police said last night, quoted by Reuters and BTA.
US President Joe Biden has been notified of the case and has spoken with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the White House said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a press conference that the three officers killed were part of a multi-agency task force.
"Today is an extremely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the police profession," Jennings said. "We lost several heroes today who were just trying to keep our community safe," he added.
The slain police officers were trying to serve a warrant to seize a firearm from a convicted felon. They arrived at the residence where the suspect was located and he opened fire on the officers, Jennings said. They returned fire and the suspect was killed in the yard of the house.
After that, fire was opened on the policemen from inside the house.
A team of specially trained police officers entered the house and detained two people who were inside. Jennings said at least one of them is believed to have fired at the officers.
In addition to the three officers killed, Jennings said five other law enforcement officers who responded to the scene were shot. One employee is in critical condition, while the others are in stable condition.