Two police officers and a firefighter were killed in Minnesota while responding to a domestic dispute involving a suspect previously convicted of assault and accused of domestic violence, a type of call experts say can be among the most dangerous for first responders and those they’re trying to help.
Though each case is unique, domestic violence and law enforcement experts said several factors, including the presence of firearms and a history of violence, can make such confrontations more deadly for all involved.
“At a time when there’s high emotions, some hopelessness involved, the outcome is always going to be unpredictable,” said Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police. “So for an officer, it is one of the most dangerous calls that we go to.”
Full story: Minnesota shooting highlights danger of domestic violence calls for first responders and victims