#Ohio cop fatally shot during standoff with suspect

A Toledo police officer was fatally shot on Monday during a standoff with an armed suspect wanted for vandalizing a cathedral, authorities said.

Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, who was performing perimeter security at the suspect’s home, was struck once after the man walked outside and opened fire with two guns, police said.

“He was an amazing police officer. He has a fiancé and they have a very young child,” Toledo Police Department Chief George Kral said at a Monday night press conference.

Officers first arrived at the home after noticing the suspect, who they spotted smoking a cigarette outside, as the man wanted on an arrest warrant for allegedly vandalizing a cathedral earlier Monday, Kral said.

When officers approached him, he fled inside with a gun, the chief said.

The SWAT team and negotiators were called in, but after several hours with no progress, officers fired gas into the home, according to Kral.

Moments later, the suspect came out firing.

The suspect was also struck by gunfire, WJW reported. His condition is not known.