Springfield Police Officer Shot And Killed In Line Of Duty

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CBS/AP) — A Springfield police officer was shot and killed while responding to a report of a domestic disturbance on Monday.

Springfield police Sgt. John Delaney confirmed that an officer was fatally shot at the Lawton Arms apartment complex shortly after 1 p.m.

The fallen officer was identified as Kevin Ambrose, a 36-year veteran of the Springfield police force.

Police say Ambrose was the first officer to arrive after a call from Charlene Mitchell explaining she had taken a restraining order out earlier in the day against 35-year-old Shawn Bryan and that he had shown up at her apartment to pick up some of his personal items.

According to The Republican, the couple have a 1-year-old child together. Bryan, a Correctional Officer in New York, was ordered by a court to stay away from Mitchell and their child.

After a brief conversation, officer Ambrose reportedly walked with Bryan and Mitchell back to the apartment.

There, according to police, Bryan shoved Mitchell into the apartment, slammed the door, and fired a shot through the door that struck Officer Ambrose.

Bryan opened the door and shot Ambrose a second time.

Bryan also shot Mitchell before taking off from the apartment and killing himself in a nearby car.

Mitchell is in critical condition and undergoing surgery at Baystate Medical Center.

Two Springfield officers were gunned down during a traffic stop nearly 27 years ago, the last time a city officer was killed in the line of duty.

Bryan was a Corrections Officer on Rikers Island in New York City.

NYC Department of Correction Commissioner Dora Schriro released the following statement: "We are shocked and saddened by today's events. Each of us takes an oath of office to preserve and protect the lives of others. This is an unspeakable tragedy for which we have few words. We express heartfelt sadness for the family of Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose, for his fellow officers in the Springfield Police Department and for the City of Springfield."

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