2 police officers shot and killed in Westerville, Ohio
WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Two police officers were fatally shot responding to a potential domestic situation in Ohio on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. The shooting suspect was wounded in the incident and taken to a nearby hospital.
The shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. Saturday on Crosswind Drive. Officers were responding to a 911 call at the address, and were fired upon when they arrived at the scene.
The victims were later identified as 54-year-old officer Anthony Morelli and 39-year-old officer Eric Joering, Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer announced during a press briefing Saturday.
Joering, a 16-year veteran, was killed at the scene. Morelli, a 29-year veteran, died in surgery at Ohio State University Medical Center, Morbitzer said.
"The officers gave their lives in defense of others," Morbitzer said during a news conference Saturday as he fought back tears. He went on to call them "true American heroes."
CBS Columbus affiliate WBNS posted images that showed multiple police cruisers at the scene. Westerville is located 15 miles north of Columbus.
Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Quentin Lamar Smith, WBNS reports. Officers were sent to the residence on domestic violence calls four times over the past five months, most recently in January.
President Trump called the shooting a "true tragedy" Sunday and said he offered his condolences to Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
"Just spoke to @JohnKasich to express condolences and prayers to all for the horrible shooting of two great police officers from @WestervillePD," Mr. Trump tweeted. "This is a true tragedy!"
Sen. Kevin Bacon, R-Minerva Park, issued a statement offering condolences to the officers' families.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the Westerville officers, their friends, families and the Westerville Police Department at this difficult time," Bacon said. "Now is one of those times and we -- as a community -- must rally behind the families and fellow officers."
