A New Orleans police officer was shot and killed early Friday while on duty in New Orleans East.

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Michael Harrison told NOLA.com that the fatal shooting took place at approximately 12:15 a.m. Four officers were patrolling the area near Cindy Place and the Interstate 10 Service Road when they “saw something that aroused their suspicion.”

One of more officers exited the patrol car and a suspect shot “several times,” striking an officer who collapsed at the scene. Police returned fire and hit the suspect, who ran away into a nearby apartment. After a brief negotiation, the suspect surrendered and is now in custody.

The injured officer was transported to a hospital, where the officer was pronounced dead. Authorities are waiting to notify next of kin before the officer’s identity is released.

“This hurts,” Harrison told NOLA.com.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much this hurts.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

[Feature photo: NOLA.com screenshot]