Burnsville, Minnesota, witnessed a tragic incident early Sunday morning when two police officers and a firefighter were fatally shot while responding to a domestic incident, CNN reports.

Another officer sustained injuries during the incident, which unfolded around 1:50 AM at a residence where a man was reported to be armed and barricaded with family members.

The situation quickly escalated into gunfire upon the arrival of Burnsville police officers.

Three men, identified as Minnesota police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge (both 27) and Minnesota firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth (40), lost their lives in the incident.

Sergeant Adam Medlicott, the injured officer, is believed to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The Minnesota shooting suspect, who remains unidentified, was also killed, FOX 13 noted.

The incident's timeline and exact circumstances are part of an ongoing investigation, with authorities revealing that the suspect fired at police from multiple positions within the home.

Multiple weapons were recovered, and the suspect engaged officers in a gun battle.

Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation reported that seven children, aged 2 to 15, were in the home during the incident.

Fortunately, they are safe, as are other family members who left the residence.

The initial 911 call that alerted authorities to the armed and barricaded situation came from someone inside the home.

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Minnesota Shooting Investigation and Tribute to the Fallen Heroes

Authorities are actively investigating the exchange of gunfire, with a focus on body-camera footage and interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

The suspect, armed with several guns and significant ammunition, fired at Minnesota police officers from multiple positions within the home, according to USA Today.

Officer Elmstrand, who joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2017, served in various capacities, including the mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, and field training unit.

Officer Ruge, who joined the force in 2020, contributed to the crisis negotiations team and served as a physical evidence officer.

The Minnesota firefighter-paramedic Finseth has been with the Burnsville Fire Department since 2019.

During the press conference, Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz mourned the loss.

"It's a really hard day for our public safety family. We're hurting. Three members of our teams made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes," Schwartz said.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Impact

Residents near the incident shared harrowing accounts of awakening to early morning gunshots, per the MPR News.

Houses, including that of Alex Martinez and Carmen Schaffer, were hit by gunfire during the Minnesota shooting.

Neighbors, like Chuck Kriss, described hearing gunshots and observing flashes, possibly from flash-bangs.

Anna Edmunds recalled hearing popping sounds before 5 AM and witnessing an increased police presence shortly after.

Burnsville officials issued a shelter-in-place message about an hour after the initial shots, urging residents to stay away from the scene.

The fallen heroes, Minnesota police officers Elmstrand and Ruge, along with Minnesota firefighter-paramedic Finseth, were transported to the medical examiner's office in a procession.

The community gathered to pay tribute, with first responders and residents lining the streets to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The investigation continues as Burnsville grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 2 police officers, 1 paramedic killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, source says - From WCCO - CBS Minnesota