WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A policeman in West Bloomfield Township, Mich., was fatally shot by a man who barricaded himself in a home, officials said Monday.
Patrick O'Rourke, 39, was shot Sunday night while he and other officers were responding to a shots fired report at a home, The Detroit News reported. He died later at McLaren Hospital in Pontiac.
West Bloomfield Township Police Lt. Timothy Diamond said several officers went into the home upon their arrival and they were fired at several times when they entered a bedroom.
"It's shocking," Diamond said. "We are a tight-knit group over here. We aren't used to losing anybody, so this is especially tragic."
Officers worked overnight to try and get the suspect to surrender, but as of 8:30 a.m. EDT, were unable to do so.
"We are sure he is still in there," said Diamond. "He has fired off several more gunshots."
Neighbors were evacuated earlier Monday as a precaution, the Detroit Free Press reported.
"They said you have to leave and your house is the most dangerous house because it's across the street," Renee Poota, 33.
The suspect, a man in his 50s, is believed to be the only person still in the house, Diamond said.
"Initially there were other family members there, but they had left before officers arrived," Diamond said.
"It's a terrible day," Diamond said.
