Two police officers dead after two shootings in Indiana

A violent weekend in Indiana took the life of two police officers during two different shootings.

Officer Jeffrey Westerfield was killed on Sunday, July 6, on his 47th birthday. The 19-year veteran was shot fatally while responding to a call in Gary, reports CNN. He was the father of four.

Three men were taken in for questioning.

Just a day earlier, on Saturday night, 21-year veteran Officer Perry Renn was shot when he and another officer were checking on reports of shots fired in Indianapolis. The 25-year-old suspected gunman was also shot. He is expected to recover and will be charged with murder.

"This is a sad day for the IMPD family and the community as a whole," Police Chief Rick Hite said.

According to The Associated Press, Indiana has had a violent year, with 72 homicides in fewer than seven months.

Officer Renn was the recipient of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Medal of Bravery.