Officer Shot and Killed in Attempted Robbery

A officer has been shot and killed in an attempted robbery at tonight.

Jessica Pastore, the director of communications for the Middlesex District Attorney's office, confirmed at 11:08 p.m. tonight that an officer was fatally shot in the attempted robbery. The identity of the officer is not being released as of 11 p.m., pending notification of next of kin. 

The DA's office is also confirming an unidentified suspect was shot and killed by responding officers. 

The incident is under investigation by Woburn Police in conjunction with the DA's office. 

At approximately 8:45 p.m. Sunday, at the Kohl's Department Store jewelry counter. According to transmissions on the Woburn Police frequency, the suspect held a gun on two female employees and demanded that they open the safe. When the suspect fled, he exited the store and was confronted by a police officer. 

Gunfire followed and both the officer and suspect were shot. A foot chase ensued between the suspect and an officer. Witnesses report that the suspect was dead at the scene.

The officer was taken to Lahey Clinic. At 10:19 p.m. Lahey Clinic Media Relations Director Steve Danehy acknowledged the officer was taken to Lahey Clinic but declined comment, saying that the Woburn Police Department has asked that no condition be released. 

Police, with the help of area towns' departments and State Police, began searching for a second suspect, who was described as a white male, 6 feet tall, who was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt. The DA's office reports that a third suspect is also being sought. 

"This is a horribly tragic incident in which an officer was fatally shot in the line of duty," said Middlesex DA Gerry Leone. "We continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and will update the public with information as it develops. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family at this time." 

UPDATE, Monday, 12:45 a.m.

Woburn Police requested, via radio transmissions, that a cruiser escort the body of the slain patrolman to Boston in the morning.  

UPDATE, Monday, 12:43 a.m.

Reading Police Sgt. John McKenna confirms that a SWAT team was dispatched in Woburn Sunday night to assist in the search for additional suspects in the police shooting.

According to McKenna, two suspects are in custody and the department is unsure whether or not there is a third suspect at large.

Check back to Woburn Patch for the latest information on this story.