Three law enforcement officers lost their lives and five others sustained injuries during a shooting incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon, according to police reports.
The incident took place when the US Marshals Task Force executed a warrant in the area. They encountered "active gunfire from a subject," authorities said. The suspect, who so far remains unidentified, was also killed during the standoff.
The fallen officers were part of the US Marshals Task Force. Among the injured, one is a US Marshal, while the remaining four serve with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Chief Johnny Jennings addressed the media on Monday evening and revealed that one of the wounded officers is in critical condition.
Around 5pm, approximately three hours after the initial shooting, authorities confirmed that "at least one shooting suspect was found deceased at the residence after the scene was cleared." The officers had suspected the individual of illegally possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.
Police have started questioning two other individuals who resided in the home as persons of interest.
Earlier, law enforcement described the incident as an "active situation," that prompted the deployment of a SWAT team. The shelter-in-place order was lifted once the house was secured.
Taking to social media, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said that he was in contact with the police and offering state resources to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy.