A man died, and three police officers were injured in a shooting on Wednesday afternoon in an industrial area of Lorain, Ohio. According to Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, officers from the Lorain Police Department were conducting a proactive patrol. Around 1 p.m., they came across a man at the dead end of River Bend Drive.

Suddenly, a gunfight started. Officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire. The suspect was killed during the shootout.

Officers Injured, Two Airlifted

The shooting left two officers seriously wounded. Emergency teams airlifted them to a trauma center in the Cleveland area. A third officer, who suffered less severe injuries, went to a local hospital, according to Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley.

Police Say It Was an Ambush

Chief Welsh called the shooting a surprise attack. “This was an ambush situation,” he said. “It’s a difficult day for the Lorain Police Department and the entire law enforcement community.”

Support for Officers

Mayor Bradley said the city would provide counseling to help officers cope. “We’re concerned for the safety of all our officers and citizens,” he stated.