Two police officers die in shooting in North Dakota

A police officer was killed and two others seriously injured in a shooting in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, with the attacker also killed, authorities said.

The incident happened before 3 p.m. on a busy street. Several witnesses reported that a man opened fire on some police officers and was shot dead by other police officers.

In a statement on Friday, police said a civilian was also injured.

The police did not provide any information about the possible motive and the circumstances that led to the incident. The identities of the police officers or the suspect have not been released for the time being until their families have been notified.

Fargo Police said the investigation is ongoing.

“We sincerely appeal to your patience and the patience and understanding of our community while the Fargo Police Department processes this incident,” Gregg Schildberger, the city’s communications director, told reporters at the scene hours later.

There will be a press conference at Fargo City Hall on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Schildberger said.

“It’s very difficult for all of us. We’re releasing as much information as we can right now… We appreciate all the messages the community has given us in support of our police officers,” said Schildberger.

Paul Heinert, a spokesman for Sanford Medical Center, said in an email that the hospital was “treating patients in connection with today’s Fargo shooting.” He indicated that the city’s police department will provide updates on the health of the injured.

The police ruled out a known danger to the public. After the shooting, however, officers went to a residential area about 2 miles away and evicted residents while gathering evidence they believed was related to the incident.

Witnesses said they saw and heard gunshots in the area. Shannon Nichole told KFGO Radio that she was driving in the area at the time.

“I saw traffic stop and as I pulled away, shots were fired and I saw cops go down,” Nichole said. “My airbag deployed and the bullet entered my driver’s door.”