Two Ohio police officers killed responding to a call, officials say

Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Two Westerville, Ohio, police officers were killed Saturday morning while responding to a call, officials said.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. about 15 miles northeast of Columbus. Police said a 911 call came as a hang-up.

One officer was killed in the shooting and another died shortly after, according to police, who have the suspect is in custody.

"As they went in to the apartment they were immediately met with gunfire and both officers were shot," Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer said during a news briefing.

Morbitzer identified the officers as Anthony Morelli, 39, a 17-year veteran and Eric Joering, 54, a 30-year veteran. Joering died at the scene and Morelli died in surgery at Ohio State University Medical Center.

"Both officers gave their life in protection of others. They are true American heroes," Morbitzer said.

Sentiments poured into social media throughout the afternoon.

Heroes Down: Westerville Officers Eric Joering And Anthony Morelli, RIP Heroes #BlueLivesMatter #BackTheBlue
Full Story: https://t.co/9IDNlCYcFU pic.twitter.com/dB6rma4i2Y

Advertisement

- Blue Lives Matter (@bluelivesmtr) February 10, 2018

President Donald Trump also gave his condolences via Twitter.

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

The city of Westerville responded on Twitter early into the investigation.

"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," the city of Westerville tweeted.

blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">

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.

State Sen. Kevin Bacon also sent condolences.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the Westerville officers, their friends, families and the Westerville Police Department at this difficult time. We are indebted to the brave men and women who don the blue and the badge day in and day out to keep our communities safe. Sometimes, those officers don't make it home at the end of a shift. Now is one of those times and we - as a community - must rally behind the families and fellow officers," Bacon said in a news release.

A GoFundMe account for the officers' families has been set up by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police.