(WEAA) —A Baltimore police officer is on life support after being ambushed and shot while sitting in a patrol vehicle.
Officials received a report of a vehicle crash on Pennington Avenue near Hazel Street around 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
On scene, police found the crashed patrol car with the wounded officer inside.
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison says the officer, identified as Officer Keona Holley, was on-duty when the shooter approached her from behind and opened fire.
Officials say Holley, a 2-year-veteran, was shot multiple times.
“This was a cowardly, brazen act to walk up and open fire on a police officer who was doing what we asked that officer to do – to go out to protect and serve,” said Commissioner Michael Harrison. “Our prayers are with the officer’s family. We are determined to find those responsible for this heinous crime and will not rest until we do.”
“My heartfelt prayers go out to the officer’s family and fellow officers who selflessly risk their lives to safeguard our neighborhoods and build a better Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon Scott.
“Whomever committed this heinous act is a coward who must be brought to justice for our officer, the officer’s family and our city. I have no doubt that our detectives will find those responsible, but we need anyone who has information to come forward and share it with us now. No family should be dealing with this pain, especially during the holidays. As a city, we owe it to our officer to quickly bring those responsible to justice.”
