TEEDRA, Monomi -- A massive manhunt is underway in Monomi after two police officers were shot and killed while on patrol Saturday night.
Teedra Police Chief Garth Harmon told local media that two officers with his department were parked in their patrol vehicle in an empty parking lot in south Teedra when they were gunned down just before 11:00 pm Western Time.
The names of the officers have not been released yet, but Harmon confirmed one was a male officer and the other a female.
It is believed the officers were sitting in their vehicle doing paperwork when the gunmen struck. The officers did not radio for help, leading investigators to determine the attack occurred quickly and without warning.
"The officers had no time to call for back-up, this was a very quick ambush that was over in a matter of seconds or perhaps minutes," Harmon said.
The officers did return fire, but both were struck multiple times. Authorities believe more than one gunman was involved, based on the number of bullet holes and injuries.
The Emerald Park Shopping Center, where the gun battle occurred, was largely empty at the time of the shooting, but a few employees in nearby stores saw the attack from a distance and called 911.
Witnesses provided police with a rough description of the suspects' vehicle, which Harmon described as a tan or light brown sedan with a loud stereo system.
After the attack, the vehicle sped away, heading west on Markin Boulevard.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from businesses in the shopping center.
Meanwhile, the Emerald Park Shopping Center remains closed off and police are asking the public to call 911 if they have any information on the suspects responsible, although Harmon cautioned the public to consider the unknown suspects armed and dangerous.
"We want the public's help to bring these animals to justice," Harmon said, "but we don't want anyone else to get hurt, so please, if you know who is responsible or if you have a lead for us, call 911 immediately, give us the information, and stay away from the person or persons you believe are involved."
Harmon called the shooting "a cowardly act" and vowed to bring the killers to justice.
Joining Harmon at the press conference was Teedra Mayor Paul Lasso, who condemned the attack and said the community "will not rest until we find those responsible for this heinous crime."
Monomi Governor John Densy, who is leaving office next week due to term limits, said he was "angry and saddened" at the news of the officers' killings.
"Monomi State Police will work with Teedra PD, Stepkin Co. Sheriff, and Crown Police to find these cowardly suspects," Densy tweeted late Saturday night.
Governor-elect Will Huxton, who will take over the governor's office from Densy next week, also spoke out, posting a video statement on his Twitter account.
"We will not let these thugs and cowards take another life from our law enforcement officers or our community. We will find them, and we stand in solidarity with the Teedra Police Department and the city of Teedra tonight," Huxton said.
Teedra Police Chief Garth Harmon told local media that two officers with his department were parked in their patrol vehicle in an empty parking lot in south Teedra when they were gunned down just before 11:00 pm Western Time.
The names of the officers have not been released yet, but Harmon confirmed one was a male officer and the other a female.
It is believed the officers were sitting in their vehicle doing paperwork when the gunmen struck. The officers did not radio for help, leading investigators to determine the attack occurred quickly and without warning.
"The officers had no time to call for back-up, this was a very quick ambush that was over in a matter of seconds or perhaps minutes," Harmon said.
The officers did return fire, but both were struck multiple times. Authorities believe more than one gunman was involved, based on the number of bullet holes and injuries.
The Emerald Park Shopping Center, where the gun battle occurred, was largely empty at the time of the shooting, but a few employees in nearby stores saw the attack from a distance and called 911.
Witnesses provided police with a rough description of the suspects' vehicle, which Harmon described as a tan or light brown sedan with a loud stereo system.
After the attack, the vehicle sped away, heading west on Markin Boulevard.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from businesses in the shopping center.
Meanwhile, the Emerald Park Shopping Center remains closed off and police are asking the public to call 911 if they have any information on the suspects responsible, although Harmon cautioned the public to consider the unknown suspects armed and dangerous.
"We want the public's help to bring these animals to justice," Harmon said, "but we don't want anyone else to get hurt, so please, if you know who is responsible or if you have a lead for us, call 911 immediately, give us the information, and stay away from the person or persons you believe are involved."
Harmon called the shooting "a cowardly act" and vowed to bring the killers to justice.
Joining Harmon at the press conference was Teedra Mayor Paul Lasso, who condemned the attack and said the community "will not rest until we find those responsible for this heinous crime."
Monomi Governor John Densy, who is leaving office next week due to term limits, said he was "angry and saddened" at the news of the officers' killings.
"Monomi State Police will work with Teedra PD, Stepkin Co. Sheriff, and Crown Police to find these cowardly suspects," Densy tweeted late Saturday night.
Governor-elect Will Huxton, who will take over the governor's office from Densy next week, also spoke out, posting a video statement on his Twitter account.
"We will not let these thugs and cowards take another life from our law enforcement officers or our community. We will find them, and we stand in solidarity with the Teedra Police Department and the city of Teedra tonight," Huxton said.
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