UPDATE: This afternoon at an emotional press conference, Westerville Chief of Police identified the two police officers slain in an apparent ambush shooting. "Both officers gave their life in the protection of others," said Chief Joe Morbitzer. "Those are true American heroes." The two men, Anthony Morelli and Eric Joering, were responding to a 911 call and were immediately met with gunfire upon arrival.
"These were two of the best we have," the chief said while tearing up."This was their calling, and they did it right. They knew how to do policing the right way, both of them. As I said, both gave their life in protection of others and that's what they lived and breathed."
Ohio Gov. John Kasich tweeted his support for the officers and their families.
I've spoken with Westerville's city leaders and Chief Morbitzer and pledged whatever support they need from the highway patrol. We extend our prayers and deep condolences to their families and fellow officers. Let’s pledge ourselves to never forget their service. (2/2)
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) February 10, 2018
President Donald J. Trump also tweeted that his thoughts and prayers are with Westerville.
My thoughts and prayers are with the two police officers, their families, and everybody at the @WestervillePD. https://t.co/AoingY77Ky
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 10, 2018
Officer Joering died at the scene while Officer Morelli died at the hospital during surgery. Chief Morbitzer asked the nation to keep the officer families in their thoughts and prayers.
ORIGINAL POST:
NBC4 in Westerville, Ohio reports that the Westerville Division of Police have confirmed two police officers have been shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday in what appears to be an ambush shooting.
According to NBC4, police received a 911 hang up call at around 11:30 am. After arriving at the scene, a suspect began shooting at them. The suspect hit at least two officers who died after paramedics transported them to a local hospital. The suspect was apprehended at the scene according to WHIO. No information has been given on the shooter except that he or she is being treated a local hospital for sustained wounds.
The names of the fallen police officers have not been released. Westerville is the same town where Gov. John Kasich lives, but there has not been a statement yet from the governor's office.
There will be a press conference at 3:30 pm this afternoon. Townhall will update when more detail is available.
It is with a heavy heart we report a second Westerville officer has been killed in the line of duty. We will share more details here as it becomes available.
— City of Westerville (@tellwesterville) February 10, 2018