A police officer is recovering at the hospital and a suspected car prowler is dead following a gunfight Wednesday morning in Richfield, officials say.
According to the Richfield Police Department, officers arrived to the scene near Morgan Avenue and 75th Street around 3:24 a.m. after a neighbor called to report that someone was targeting cars in the area.
When police located the suspect, the person ran away and officers gave chase.
During the pursuit, the suspect showed a gun and shots were fired between the suspect and Richfield police officers. Both the suspect and an officer were hit, police said.
According to investigators, the suspect died at the scene and the injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital after being shot in the hand.
The area near Morgan Avenue was blocked off Wednesday morning as the investigation continues.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released the following statement about the shooting:
“Our office is aware of a fatal use-of-force incident early Wednesday in Richfield. We are in contact with the BCA and will evaluate the case when their investigation is complete. We’re grateful the injured officer is being treated and is expected to be released. We also want to send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased individual. This is a tragic and traumatic situation for all involved.”
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is leading the investigation.
Courtesy of KTSP
