KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say a public safety officer died after he was shot in the head and chest during a gun battle in southwestern Michigan. The suspected gunman later turned the weapon on himself.
Police say 35-year-old Officer Eric Zapata was shot in a Kalamazoo alley late Monday and pronounced dead at a hospital.
The suspected gunman, Leonard Statler, had exchanged gunfire with another officer just seconds earlier.
Police say Statler later fatally shot himself.
The incident occurred after an officer investigated reports of gunfire in the area. The officer approached the 31-year-old Statler, who brandished a weapon then fled. The officer found cover and radioed for help.
Seconds later, officers in the area heard more gunfire and found Statler and the wounded Zapata.
