Ohio police chief weeps for officers killed on duty
The suspect is in custody
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Westerville, Ohio, police chief Joe Mortbitzer gave a tearful tribute to two police officers killed while responding to a 911 call.
Eric Joering, 39, and Anthony Morelli, 54, were fatally shot during the middle of the day after checking on a potential domestic situation in the Columbus, Ohio suburb.
Mr Morbitzer said the officers were "true American heroes" who "gave their lives in defence of others".
"These were two of the best we have. This was their calling, and they did it right," he said.
According to a neighbour, the couple who lived in the home where the officers were killed had moved in approximately eight months ago.
Police had come to the home numerous times since then, responding to loud arguments and fighting.
Mr Morbitzer said the officers were "immediately met with gunfire" as he choked back his tears.
Neighbours said they heard five to six shots.
The suspect, Quentin Lamar Smith, is in custody at this time.
A police spokesperson said that Mr Smith was wounded when police returned fire but his condition has not been disclosed as yet.
“They knew how to do policing the right way, both of them,” Mr Morbitzer said, adding that “both gave their lives for the protection of others, and that’s what they lived and breathed.”
US President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences, and Ohio Governor John Kasich said on Twitter that he was “saddened to learn of the deaths of two of my hometown police officers.”
“Everyone should be as upset about this as America’s law enforcement officers are. No cop, anywhere, ‘signed up’ to be murdered,” New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill tweeted.
Mr Morelli had been with the police force for nearly 30 years and Mr Joering was an officer for 16 years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments