Two police officers shot and homes on fire in active Hawaii shooting
Two police officers have reportedly been killed and another injured as authorities continue to search for an active gunman in Hawaii.
Officers had responded to an assault call near the base of Diamond Head in the tourist city of Honolulu when they encountered a male with a firearm, who then opened fire, striking two officers, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
The two officers were taken to hospital in critical conditions but have since died, law enforcement sources told Hawaii News Now.
Local media reported the man was being evicted from his home when he allegedly stabbed his female landlord.
A home the suspected gunman was believed to be inside caught fire and was quickly engulfed by flames.
The fire at the home has since spread to four neighbouring homes and a parked police vehicle.
The Honolulu Fire Department is battling the blazes with 50 crew members at the scene.
Footage from the scene shows several police units surround the burning homes.
Live ammunition from the suspect’s home continues to explode, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
A third officer has also been shot, KITV4 reported.
No arrests have been made.
Police have closed several streets nearby. The public has been asked to avoid the area.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell called the incident an “unprecedented tragedy” on Twitter.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two officers as well as the entire Honolulu Police Department,” he said.
With AP
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