2 Ohio Police Officers Killed Responding To 911 Hang-Up Call

WESTERVILLE, OH — Two police officers were killed in Westerville Saturday as they responded to a 911 hang-up call regarding a potential domestic situation, city officials said.

Officers received a 911 call at 12:02 p.m. and were at the scene responding to the hang-up call at 12:10, Police Chief Joe Morbitzer said at a press conference. As the two officers entered the residence they were immediately met with gunfire, Morbitzer said.

Morbitzer spoke in between tears at the press conference describing the two officers slain in the line of duty as "true American heroes" and those who gave their lives in the protection of others. One officer died at the scene and the second officer died at the hospital.

The slain officers were identified as Anthony Morelli, 54 and Eric Joering, 39.

The suspect was wounded and taken to an area hospital.

Morbitzer described Morelli and Joerin as pillars in the department. Morelli had been with the department for 29 years and Joerin was with the department for 16 years.

The Columbus Police Department's critical response team is assisting Westerville authorities with the incident. The Franklin County Sheriff's Department is also on scene.

"Our prayers are with the @WestervillePD in their time of need right now," the sheriff's office said in a tweet. "We have several of our deputies on scene & assisting in their city with calls to service."

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a native of Westerville, said he was saddened to learn of the deaths of the two police officers.

"I have spoken with Westerville city leaders and pledged the full assistance of the Ohio Highway Patrol in any way they need," Kasich tweeted. "We will learn more soon about this tragic incident but please join me in lifting up these officers' families in prayer."

President Donald Trump also offered his condolences for the deaths of the two officers.

The death of the two officers Saturday marks the third incident in four days where a law enforcement officer has been killed. On Wednesday, a Richardson, Texas police officer was killed in a hours-long standoff. A civilian was also killed in the standoff. On Friday, a Locust Grove, Georgia police officer was killed and two sheriff's deputies injured while serving an arrest warrant. The suspect in the Georgia shooting was also killed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Patch will update this report.

Photo: Police tape cordons off the area where two Westerville, Ohio, police officers were shot and killed responding to a hang-up 911 call, on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. The officers were shot around noon after entering the residence. Photo by Andrew Welsh-Huggins/Associated Press