Two police officers killed, another injured in Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Two police officers were fatally shot and another injured Saturday afternoon in an incident involving a family dispute, the Palm Springs police chief said.

Dozens of law enforcement officers converged on a normally quiet residential neighborhood after the shooting, sealing off several blocks and evacuating some residents, police said.

Officers also issued a warning that people inside their homes should stay there, lock their doors and not answer them until further notice.

Police said the shooting occurred after officers arrived at a home following a report of a domestic disturbance.

SWAT officers raced to the scene after the shooting but no one was immediately arrested. Police said they believed no one else was hurt.

Gerardo Barrera told The Desert Sun he was working nearby when he heard gunshots. “I saw a person on the ground,” he said. “Someone kept pumping her chest but she wasn’t moving.”

The shooting occurred just three days after a popular Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant was shot and killed in the high desert town of Lancaster.

Sgt. Steve Owen was answering a burglary call when sheriff’s officials say he was shot and wounded by a man who then stood over him and shot him four more times.

A paroled robber has been charged with murder.

Lancaster residents were organizing a candlelight memorial for Owen Saturday night.