A bank robbery in Mississippi left one officer dead and another officer in critical condition on Monday., SeattlePi.com reported.
Officials confirmed that 38-year-old Kevin "Gale" Stauffer was fatally shot and a 26-year-old officer was wounded, though his name has not been released yet. Tulepo Police Chief Bart Aguirre would not discuss the officer's injuries.
"We are hurting; we are hurting very bad," Aguirre said.
The case has been handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is focused on locating the suspect, said to be 5-feet-9-inches tall, thin, a light complexion, possible African American. Authorities warn he may be heavily armed.
Daniel McMullen, FBI Special Agent in Charge, said at a press conference Monday night that the suspect could be on foot or in a charcoal-colored four-door sedan, possibly a Chrysler 200 or a Honda. He added the suspect may be injured and that his car could have gunfire damage.
"This is a very dangerous person we need to get off the streets," McMullen said at the news conference.
He added there may be other suspects.
The FBI offered a reward of $50,000 which was quickly matched by BancorpSouth for a total reward of $100,000.
The police chief said the two officers responded to a robbery call at BancorpSouth around 3:15 p.m. in separate cars. Once they both closed in on the suspect's car, he jumped out and opened fire at the officers.
Aguiree said Stauffer was pronounced dead at 3:46 p.m.
Stauffer was a corporal with the Tulepo Police Department since 2005. Previously, he was a jailer for the Lee County Sheriff's Office and was also in the Louisiana Army National Guard.
