Authorities said four police officers serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed, and four other officers were wounded in a shootout on Monday at a North Carolina home.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings, a second shooter started firing at the police, injuring some as they raced to the area to save the first group of fallen officers.
In a news conference, Jennings said that they had lost some heroes who were out simply trying to keep their community safe.
The suburban Charlotte house was ripped apart following a three-hour firefight by armored cars that tore off windows and left the entrances completely destroyed.
Jennings claimed that the wanted suspect opened fire on the US Marshals Task Force as they approached the house, and the man was murdered in the front yard.
He added that a second person opened fire on the officers from inside the house, where a high-powered rifle was discovered.
After the standoff, a woman and a 17-year-old male were discovered inside the house. Jennings said the two are being questioned.
The Marshal's Service confirmed the death of one of its agents. Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina confirmed that two officers from the state's Department of Adult Correction were also killed.
Furthermore, the governor spoke with the families of the fallen and injured officers in Charlotte. Their names are still unknown.
Jennings also confirmed Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Joshua Eye died in the hospital a few hours later.
One other member of the task force, consisting of local law enforcement officials and federal agents, suffered from an injury.
While trying to save the injured officers, three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who had raced to the scene were shot.
Neighbors said the gunfire lasted for several minutes.
