Police, residents saddened by tragedy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - News of an officer killed, a woman shot and a suicide spread quickly through the 16 Acres neighborhood community in Springfield.

"To take anyone's life and the way they did it, shoot through the door," said Andrew Hearne, Springfield.

36-year police veteran, Kevin Ambrose shot dead in the line of duty, a woman left fighting for her life and a suspect dead after taking his own life.

Police say a routine domestic call turned violent after 35-year-old Shawn Bryan locked himself in an apartment with his ex-girlfriend who had just taken a restraining order out against him, just hours earlier in the day.

According to police officer Ambrose was trying to force his way into the apartment when the suspect shot him through the door, then opened the door and shot him again.

Andrew Hearne knew Officer Ambrose who frequently patrolled the neighborhood, he says Ambrose was a top cop.

"If there was a problem in the area he'd take the time to talk to you about it, he was one of those officers who listened, there are some who don't but he was one of them, he did listen," Hearne added.

Police and neighbors consoled each other.

It was a shock for everyone including Henry Troy who's been living in the neighborhood for 11 years.

"Nothing like this has ever come close to happening. I'm just surprised it happened in this neighborhood, it's a quiet neighborhood, I have my kids out here we ride bikes and play outside, so its very surprising it happened in this neighborhood," said Henry Troy, Springfield.

Now, officers have to cope with the loss of one of their own while residents look for ways to feel safe again in their own backyards.