(SALINA, N.Y.) — A sheriff’s deputy and a police officer were killed after shots were fired as they investigated a report of a stolen vehicle in Salina, New York, officials confirmed early Monday morning.
The fallen officers, later identified as Syracuse Police Department Officer Mike Jensen and Lt. Michael Hoosock with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, were among a group of investigators looking into a possible stolen vehicle at on Darien Drive, according to Syracuse Police.
When they entered the address, a suspect opened fire leading to a firefight between officers and the suspect, according to the police.
Christopher R. Murphy, 33, the alleged suspect, was struck and killed according to police.
Jensen and Hoosock were transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased, police said.
“We lost two heroes tonight,” Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said at an early morning briefing.
The incident was sparked after Syracuse police officers attempted to perform a vehicle traffic stop earlier in the evening, officials said Monday morning. When the vehicle did not stop, the officers got the license plate number and went to a location associated with it, according to the authorities.
“[Officers] asked for assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office because they learned additional information the individual driving the vehicle might be armed,” Ceclie told reporters.
“This is a dark day for Syracuse. This is our worst nightmare come true,” Mayor Ben Walsh said at a press conference. “Our thoughts right now are with the families of those two officers, two heroes, and if anyone knows the family member of a police officer, give them a hug. This is their worst nightmare and we just need to be there for everyone in the law enforcement community today.”
The investigation is ongoing and police are still reviewing body-worn cameras, ballistics and other evidence, officials said at an afternoon news conference.
The New York State Attorney General’s office will also assist in the probe.
ABC News’ Megan Wordell and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.
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