1 officer killed & 1 injured in Pennsylvania ambush, suspect dead

10 Nov, 2016 14:58 / Updated 8 years ago

Two police officers were shot in an ambush in rural Pennsylvania, one of whom has since died. The suspect is also dead, according to local media.

The shootings occurred in the town of Canonsburg, after the officers responded to a call about a domestic incident at 3:14am local time.

The two officers were “ambushed upon arrival,” State Police Trooper Melinda Bondarenka told reporters.

Both were transported to hospitals, and one has since died, according to state police. Information on the other officer's condition has not been disclosed, and neither of their names has been released.

“It is my sad duty to announce that one officer is deceased and the other officer has been flown to a Pittsburgh hospital,” Washington County coroner Tim Warco said.

Local CBS affiliate KDKA has identified the suspect as Michael Cwiklinski, reporting that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

State police previously described the incident as an “active situation,” declining to provide details on a possible suspect, or whether anyone had been arrested.

Some residents had been asked to leave their homes, while others were ordered to stay indoors.

“Please stay in your homes if you are not being evacuated,” Bondarenka said, as quoted by USA Today.

Police and SWAT teams were reportedly seen near at least two residences in Canonsburg, though it remains unknown whether the suspect was in either home.

The local school district closed for the day, while another nearby school delayed opening.

Canonsburg is a town of fewer than 10,000 residents some 18 miles (28km) southwest of Pittsburgh.