Deputy killed, 4 officers injured at Colorado apartment complex shootout

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) A deputy was killed and four officers were injured after they were called to respond to a domestic disturbance Sunday morning at an apartment complex in US' Colorado state's Douglas County, the local Sheriff's Office said.

"Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance resulting in shots fired. 5 deputies shot by suspect. 1 deputy confirmed deceased. 2 civilians also shot by suspect. Suspect shot & believed to be dead & no longer a threat," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office tweeted, reported Xinhua.

The sheriff's office said at 5:13 a.m., deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at the apartments.

"During the Investigation, shots were fired and multiple deputies were injured. No status on the deputies and no status on civilian injuries," it said in a tweet.

Meghan Lopez, a reporter for KMGH-TV, said she heard gunshots when her crew pulled up to the scene.

The scene remains active, police said. Multiple law enforcement agencies and a SWAT team are on scene.

Residents have been told to avoid the area.

An emergency shelter has been set up. "If anyone has been displaced from their homes due to this event please feel free to head there," the sheriff's office tweeted.

Video broadcast by Denver 7 shows an Arapahoe County Sheriff Bomb Squad truck at the scene. Multiple law enforcement agencies and a SWAT team are on scene.

Police previously told residents of the area should shelter in place, avoid windows and stay away from exterior walls.

A procession for the deceased officer will take place from a local hospital.

It was not immediately clear what sparked the shooting. An investigation is in progress.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)