Authorities in California have said that the suspect sought for the fatal shooting of a San Jose police officer was found dead at his home.
Reuters reported that police responded to call just after 6:45 p.m. local time about a possibly suicidal man armed with a rifle. When officers arrived the man opened fire on them. Veteran Officer Michael Johnson was shot and killed.
Police returned fire but were unsure if the suspect was hit.
Nearby homes were evacuated and authorities closed off the area as officers from several different departments were called to the scene for backup.
The Washington Post noted that hours later law enforcement officials said the suspect, identified as Scott Dunham, 57, was found dead on the balcony of his home from a gunshot wound. It is still unclear at this time if the wound was self-inflicted or from the responding officers.
“This has been San Jose’s darkest hour,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer. This strikes the heart of all of us in San Jose and throughout the region.”
Image shared via Twitter by the San Jose Police Department