According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), two Wisconsin police officers were killed on Saturday following a shootout with a suspect during a traffic stop in Cameron, WI. Officials said in a news release that the officers were from two different police departments.

The Wisconsin DOJ said a shootout began after a Chetek Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop at 3:38 p.m., local time, in Cameron, Wisconsin, on Saturday. The Chetek officer and an officer from the Cameron Police Department were killed at the scene, according to officials. The suspect was also killed, the state’s justice department confirmed in the news release.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss today of two officers. I am thinking of their families and the Chetek and Cameron Police Departments at this incredibly difficult time.”  Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers tweeted out his condolences on Sunday to family and friends of the two officers: “Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday. Kathy and I are praying for the officers’ families, colleagues, and the Barron County community mourning this tragic loss.”

According to the Wisconsin DOJ, DCI is leading the investigation into the case and is working alongside Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist.  Chetek Chief of Police Ron Ambrozaitis said in a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page on Sunday: “Our community is experiencing a time of great tragedy. As we continue to work through this, please respect the privacy of our law enforcement officers and their families. We want to thank the community for their continued support and overwhelming acts of kindness. The support has been tremendous!”

Editorial credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com