Washington DC shooting: Three police officers hit by gunman as he barricades himself in his home
Three police officers have been hit by gunman in Washington DC
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Three police officers in Washington DC have been shot dead, whilst the gunman has barricaded himself in his home, authorities have reported.
The shooting took place whilst the officers were serving an animal cruelty warrant to the occupant of a house in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road.
Around 7.30am, the individual “refused to come outside” whilst officers “attempted to gain entry, the individual fired upon them,” police said.
The officers who were shot have been taken to hospital where their injuries have been deemed to be non-life-threatening.
Officers were serving an animal cruelty warrant to the occupant of a house in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road
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A fourth cop who was present but not shot has also been hospitalised.
The gunman is understood to still be firing from his home.
The area has been blocked off whilst nearby schools have been placed in lockdown.
“This remains an active situation, and the individual has continued to fire from that location,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.
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“We are asking everyone to please stay out of this location until we are able to apprehend the suspect,” the police chief said.
A doorbell camera from a nearby home captured the sound of gunfire, with at least 25 shots being fired.
It wasn't immediately clear if more than one person opened fire.
Smith said that the gunman shot one officer was shot in the hand and another in the foot or leg.
The situation and investigation are ongoing
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The third officer was struck twice, but his ballistic gear stopped the bullets, DC Police Union Chairman Greggory Pemberton said.
Police said they are uncertain as to how many people are in the house.
One local resident told Fox News that he witnessed police officers “armed to the teeth” after the shooting.
The situation and investigation are ongoing.