Officer shot and in critical condition responding to burglary - but the suspect was exterminated

RALEIGH, NC - South of downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, a police officer was shot and seriously wounded responding to a burglary in progress with two people, both the shooter and their victim were left dead. The officer was later identified as First Class Officer M.A. Gillick.

The assailant Antonio Rodrigues, 70, was identified by the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) according to WRAL, as well as his original victim, John Rowe, 73. The outlet reported that RPD Chief Estella Patterson revealed that Officer Gillick, who is out of surgery in critical condition, responded to the burglary in progress call at approximately 5:30 pm. A woman who called 911 told the dispatchers that she knew the suspect through a previous relationship.

The local outlet reported that shortly after arrival, the officers were able to hear gunshots coming from the home. The suspect had barricaded himself in the home’s garage and was firing at police according to police radio traffic.
  As reported by CBS17, the stricken officer was hit in the resulting shootout as more officers arrived. The reinforcements returned fire at Rodrigues, striking him twice. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Raleigh Deputy Chief Rico Boyce told reporters Tuesday, "Our officer suffered a serious gunshot wound in an exchange of shots with the suspect.” He added, “he is in the hospital at this time and needs your prayers."
  Chief Patterson later updated the media that the officer had emerged from surgery and was in critical condition. She said at a press conference, "I want to thank the community for your patience. The last couple of days have been difficult for our city. What we've endured is heavy."

As the crime scene investigation progressed RPD called for the public to avoid the area announcing “Suspicious items were found. Out of caution, hazardous devices unit & ATF were called & the items were deemed not a threat.”

The department issued a press release from Lieutenant Jason Borneo, who wrote, “In keeping with departmental policy, the State Bureau of Investigation was notified and promptly responded to conduct the criminal investigation and will submit its findings directly to the Wake County District Attorney.  

"The RPD’s Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative investigation that will focus on departmental policy compliance.  
As is standard protocol and in the spirit of transparency, a five-day report will be released to the City Manager providing additional details regarding this incident.” 
 
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James

All of our police and mayors need to be investigated! The police always get the blame! You shoot at a police officer you should expect to get shot! End of story!

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