Two Miami-Dade Police officers have lost their lives while serving a warrant on a suspect wanted for murder, who would also die as a result of the shootout, according to police.

A female officer died in the operating room of Jackson Memorial Hospital, at around 1 p.m. Thursday, according to Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez. He said she had sustained multiple wounds as a result of an exchange of gunfire between a violent fugitive that also killed another officer on the scene. The suspect would also die on the scene.

“I’m sad to report that the second officer that was shot on the scene expired at Jackson Memorial Trauma Center,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “She got to the trauma center in extremely critical condition. The trauma center, being the professionals that they are, did everything they could to save her, but apparently she lost her life.”

Alvarez, who was once the Director of Miami-Dade Police, said he took this shooting very personal. “It’s shocking, it’s heartfelt, really I can’t put it into words,” he said. “I’m not here as the mayor speaking because, when you know someone and the type of job they are doing, it’s personal.”

He would not give names, but said the officers were very experienced veterans with the force. “They have been doing it for a number of years,” he said.

At a press conference, at JMH, Miami-Dade Police Lt. Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, confirmed the mayor’s remarks. “Currently, we have two Miami-Dade police officers shot and killed in the line of duty,” said Cordero-Stutz.

Cordero-Stutz also added that a third officer was also admitted to the hospital with a knee injury but would not specify on her condition except to say that the injury that officer suffered “minor.”

Alvarez appeared on the scene, near the shooting just outside a house, in the area of Northwest 69th Street and Seventh Avenue. He explained the officers were part of a squad looking to serve an arrest warrant for the subject wanted for a homicide in the City of Miami.

Miami-Dade Police Commander Nancy Perez was the first officer to break the news, as she struggled to hold back tears, that one of her colleagues had died. “He was an excellent officer, an excellent man, just like any other officer that is out there working to protect the community,” she said.

Rescue crews transported the officers to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center via ambulance. According to reports, the officers were part of a task force with the U.S. Marshals Office when shots rang out at around 11 a.m.

According to Barry Golden, of the U.S. Marshals, the officers were serving a warrant when the suspect ambushed them and gunfire went off, late Thursday morning. Golden said that suspect was also shot and killed. “I will tell you we are not actively pursing anybody at this particular time,” he said.

Alvarez clarified that the deceased subject was the gunman that shot the officers. “The subject was killed on the scene, so we’re not looking for anybody,” he said.

Dozens of police officers responded to the scene, also including Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito. One man described the hectic scene following the shooting. “I was trying to get something to eat and maybe 35 police cars came shooting by me,” said Willie Locker.

Specific details of the shooting have not been released, but witnesses said they heard a series of quick shots. “Several shots, maybe 7 or 8 shots,” said anther witness, who was not identified.

Miami-Dade homicide investigators are still on the scene to gather information on the shooting.

Dade County Police Benevolent Association President John Rivera, who is en route to Miami from Ocala, released a statement on the matter. “Today, our community lost two more heroes. Our hearts ache for their families and their loved ones who are dealing with incomprehensible grief, loss and shock. These two officers were loving family members, friends and our neighbors. They wanted to serve their community and make it a better, safer place for all of us,” said Rivera. He was in central Florida chairing a Criminal Justice Standards and Training Task Force meeting.

Flags at the Miami-Dade Police Headquarters in Doral are flying at halfstaff.

(Source: WSVN)