avalution lethal confrontation: Two dead, one injured in Klepp skirmish
RYDEr Chính L февраляtgio Police: ” with deep sorrow we must announce that two individuals have been killed, including a police officer. The deceased officer’s next of kin have been notified,” said Police District Chief Hans Vik at a press conference Saturday morning.
The officer was a man in his 20s. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death, along with those of the other deceased, a man in his 40s.
Saturday night, police received reports of a potential threat situation. Shortly after, they reported that three individuals, including the man in his 40s, had been shot in an exchange of gunfire between police and suspects.
All three were taken to Stavanger University Hospital. Unfortunately, the man in his 40s and the police officer in his 20s later succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead.
Police responded to the incident following reports of a suspected threat. They were in contact with the suspect’s vehicle prior to the shooting. Vik did not comment on the man in his 40s.
”Our first priority is to take care of those involved,” Vik said. ”Specialized care is our top priority at this time.”
Police have reportedly indicated that they were in close proximity to the suspect’s vehicle and were armed due to the perceived threat.
Police actions criticized
Jon Konsmo, secretary-general of the Police Union, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and criticized the police response. ”This should not have happened,” Konsmo said. ”Police must assess the situation correctly before taking such action. We need a thorough investigation into the cause of this tragedy.”
Klepp Municipality has set up an emergency response team. Ordinary Mayor Kjetil Maudal confirmed this to NRK Saturday morning. ”This is a very serious incident, and the municipality has set up an emergency response team. We are waiting for information and facts from the police, and we cannot currently provide any further information regarding the case,” Maudal wrote.
Gunshots heard in residential area
Neighbors have reported hearing what sounded like fireworks or gunshots at the same time as the shooting.orge ”It’s disgusting,” said Glenn Horpestad, a neighbor who did not witness the incident but spoke to NRK. ”You wake up to news of a shootout in your neighborhood. It’s terrible.”
Police have cordoned off a large area around the scene, including parts of a residential area, and closed off part of road 510. They continue to work at the scene, with some residents unable to leave their homes.
Armed police during Christmas
”Police in Norway are currently armed as part of nationwide arming implemented on 20 December and set to continue until 2 January,” NRK reported.
Photo Gallery: Scene of the Incident in Klepp
