Columbus, OH – A Columbus police officer suffered “massive blood loss” and was rushed into emergency surgery after he was shot during a gun battle with a trio of armed robbery suspects on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred on Interstate 70 eastbound near downtown Columbus at approximately 4:45 p.m. on July 6, WXIX reported.

Investigators said at least three armed suspects held up a bank and a Porsche dealership before getting into a pursuit with officers.

As they approached Mound Street on Interstate 70, a shootout erupted between the robbery suspects and police, WXIX reported.

One suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire and the other two escaped.

Police described them as black males wearing black pants, black sweatshirts, and white shoes.

An officer was also shot during the gunfight, resulting in “massive blood loss,” the Columbus Division of Police (CDP) told WXIX.

BREAKING: There was a shooting involving a police officer on I-70 near Mound Street. We see several CPD cruisers outside Grant Hospital right now. We’re working to find out what happened and who was injured. @wsyx6 @fox28columbus pic.twitter.com/KflBP4IDGF

— Isabelle Hanson (@IsabelleWSYX6) July 6, 2023

He was rushed to a local hospital by his fellow officer and arrived in critical condition.

The officer was taken into emergency surgery, where he was stabilized on the operating table, WXIX reported.

No other information regarding his condition was immediately released.

The identity of the wounded hero is unknown.

#Update @ColumbusPolice officer shot following armed robbery and pursuit. Officer is currently in surgery. One suspect was killed during shooting on I-70 with officers. Two other suspects remain at large. pic.twitter.com/kFzPdIaLSf

— Colu❌bus Division of Police (@ColumbusPolice) July 6, 2023

The CDP announced on Friday morning that the two suspects who initially escaped during the shootout were identified and taken into custody in the area of McGuffey Road and East Weber Road by the CDP, U.S. Marshals, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Their identities were not immediately released.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) is handling the ongoing investigation, WXIX reported.

“Today, our greatest fear in law enforcement became a reality when a Columbus Division of Police officer was shot in the line of duty,” CDP Chief Elaine Bryant said in a press release late Thursday night. “This is a reminder of the dangers the courageous men and women of this Division face each day as they work to keep our community safe.”

“We are thankful for the quick actions fellow officers and medical personnel at Grant Medical Center took earlier today which undoubtedly saved this officer’s life,” Chief Bryant added. “Tonight, I ask you to keep all of our officers in your prayers and continue to lift up our injured officer’s family during this time.”

@ColumbusPolice along with @ATFColumbus on scene in North Columbus in connection to police officer shot yesterday. Police confirm two people of interest were detained for questioning. @10TV pic.twitter.com/gQVyIwo8zz

— Kevin Landers (@Kevin10TV) July 7, 2023

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 9 Executive Vice President Brian Steel praised the wounded officer’s heroic actions during a press briefing on Thursday, WSYX reported.

“Our FOP brother, he woke up today, he kissed his family, he kissed his wife and kids goodbye, and now he’s shot,” Steel told reporters. “He did a fantastic job. He’s absolutely a warrior. Despite being shot, he did his duty, and he fired back. That [suspect] lying dead on the freeway, that was an occupational hazard. You rob a bank, you run from the police, you shoot us, we will shoot you back.”

BREAKING: Right now we are waiting to learn more from Columbus Police. We know an officer was shot after a police chase started from a bank robbery and a violent takeover at a car dealership. Follow @10TV for live updates pic.twitter.com/D01FPCYbbc

— Richard 🎥 (@richaaron10tv) July 6, 2023

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