Three Washington, D.C., police officers were shot Wednesday by a suspect who is engaged in a barricaded standoff with authorities.
The shooting happened at around 7:55 a.m. on the district's southeast side, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department stated in an online update. The wounded officers were rushed to the hospital, and their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
According to Chief Pamela Smith, police were helping the Humane Rescue Alliance and serving an arrest warrant for animal cruelty at a home when the shooting occurred, WUSA-TV reports. A man inside the home opened fire when officers tried to make contact.
Three officers were struck by gunfire, and a fourth officer suffered minor injuries. The fourth officer had not been shot.
The suspect in the shooting barricaded himself inside the home and continued firing. A standoff ensued, and police are negotiating with the suspect.
Police closed off streets in the area, and two schools were locked down. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also was called in to help with the investigation.
No other details were released, and the standoff is ongoing.
