WASHINGTON : Three US law enforcement officers were killed and five others injured by a gunman while attempting to serve a warrant in the US state of North Carolina, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Chief Johnny Jennings said during a press conference. reported Sputnik.
"Three members of the US Marshals Task Force have been pronounced dead," Jennings said on Monday afternoon.
"Four CMPD officers were shot, one is in critical condition fighting for his life in the hospital. A total of eight law enforcement officers were shot by the suspects in the house."
Jennings explained that the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant to an individual for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, but they were shot at when they approached the individual.
Police officers returned the gunfire and the suspect was killed, but they received additional gunfire from inside the house, Jennings added.
After a long standoff, Jennings said, authorities were able to clear the home and confirm that there were two additional people inside who had been taken into custody for questioning.
Police noted that a suspect used a high-powered rifle during the shootout. — BERNAMA
TAGS: US, North Carolina, shooting, police casualties
