Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer Breann Leath was fatally shot in the line of duty on Thursday.

Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath was murdered in the line of duty as she was responding to a domestic disturbance on Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred at the Harrison Terrace Apartments in the 1800-block of Edinburgh Square, southwest of 21st Street and North Franklin Road, at approximately 2:50 p.m., WBIW reported.

IMPD Chief Randal Taylor told reporters at a media briefing afterwards that the suspect began shooting “through the structure” as soon as officers arrived on the scene.

Chief Taylor said that Officer Leath, 24, was hit by gunfire.

A female victim at the scene was also shot.

Chief Taylor said that other officers pulled Officer Leath and the wounded victim out of harm’s way and down a staircase to safety.

Officer Leath was quickly transported to Eskenazi Hospital where “despite the best lifesaving techniques, she was pronounced deceased, Chief Taylor said.

The female victim who was wounded is expected to recover, WXIN reported.

The gunman has been identified as 27-year-old Elliahs Dorsey, according to WXIN.

Dorsey has been arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder.

The chief did not say whether any of the officers at the scene had fired their weapons.

Chief Taylor described the fallen hero as “an example of the type of officer we want on this department,” and said she was the mother of a young son.

Officer Leath, an Army National Guard veteran, joined the IMPD two-and-one-half years ago, WXIN reported.

“She heard the call and went toward that which could do her harm because she knew if she didn’t, harm may come to others,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said.

The lifelong Indianapolis resident had always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a law enforcement officer, WXIN reported.

Both of her parents work for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Her father is a deputy, and her mother is a 911 dispatcher.

“Officer Leath was kind and loving as a mother of a young child herself,” Chief Taylor said, according to WXIN. “She is the daughter of a family that’s been devoted to public safety and a lifelong resident of Indianapolis.”

She was selfless and compassionate to those in her community, and on one occasion even purchased Christmas gifts to surprise a local mother who had told police she couldn’t afford to get anything for her children.

Months later, after responding to a call of a 79-year-old man who had thousands of dollars stolen from him, Officer Leath went to his favorite restaurant and brought a meal back to him in an effort to make him smile, WXIN reported.

“She’s just always seen the good,” longtime friend Ruby Allen told WTHR. “She never judged me and she didn’t judge anybody.

Allen said that when she and Officer Leath were in high school together, Allen fell into the “wrong crowd” and ended up getting expelled.

But Officer Leath stuck by her and spearheaded an effort to get her back into school.

“I was too scared, but she took it upon herself and a week later, picked me up and I had the meeting with the principal and Breann was there and I walked in and it was me and Breann and they allowed me to go back,” Allen recalled.

Officer Leath and Allen walked together at graduation later that year, WTHR reported.

“Breann wouldn’t let one of her friends fail. She was the type that wanted everybody to succeed and put herself second, always, to people she didn’t know,” her friend added. “She really was a good soul.”

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb released a statement in the wake of the young officer’s murder.

“Officer Leath gave her life as she answered the call of duty,” Holcomb said, according to WXIN. “Janet and I are heartbroken for her family, friends and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.”

“I ask every Hoosier to join me in honoring Officer Leath’s courageous service and dedication to her community,” the governor added. “She will be forever remembered for being the finest among us.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Breann Leath, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Officer Breann Leath, your life mattered.