A suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.
A sheriff’s deputy and a police officer were killed after gunfire while investigating 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 Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Hoosock, were part of a group of investigators investigating a possible stolen vehicle on Darien Drive, according to Syracuse police.
When they entered the address, a suspect opened fire, sparking a shootout between officers and the suspect, police said.
Christopher R. Murphy, 33, the alleged suspect, was struck and killed according to police.
Jensen and Hoosock were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead, police said.
“We lost two heroes tonight,” Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said during an early morning news briefing.
The incident was sparked after Syracuse police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop earlier in the evening, officials said Monday morning. When the vehicle failed to stop, officers obtained the license plate number and went to a location associated with it, authorities said.
“[Officers] I requested assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office because they learned additional information that the individual driving the vehicle may 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 news conference. “Our hearts right now are with the families of these two police officers, two heroes, and if anyone knows a police officer’s family member, give them a hug. This is their worst nightmare and we just have to be there for everyone in the law enforcement community today.”
The investigation is ongoing and police are still reviewing body-worn cameras, ballistics data and other evidence, officials said at an afternoon news conference.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office will also assist in the investigation.
ABC News’ Megan Wordell and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.