An NYPD officer was shot and killed in the northern part of the Bronx early Sunday morning, officials said.

Police Commissioner James O'Neill says 33-year-old Brian Mulkeen, a Bronx police officer, died after being shot around 12:30 a.m. at the Edenwald Houses on East 229th Street.

NYPD Police Officer Brian Mulkeen, a 33-yr-old Bronx cop, was killed about 12:30 am while doing the courageous work NYers needed him to do. He served for nearly 7 years. There is no worse a moment in our profession than this. Pls keep Brian’s family & colleagues in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/X1ucOusI77 — Commissioner O’Neill (@NYPDONeill) September 29, 2019

Officials say officers with the Bronx Borough Anti-Crime Unit were canvassing the area because there was gang activity and recent shootings in that area.

According to officials, the officers got out of their vehicle to question a man when the man fled. Officials say the officers pursued the man on foot, and that the pursuit ended with a violent struggle as Mulkeen and his partner attempted to apprehend the man. Officials say shots were fired at that point, and Mulkeen was struck three times.

Mulkeen was pronounced dead at Jacobi Medical Center.

Officials say Mulkeen can be heard saying "He's reaching for it" on body-worn camera footage. They say the officer's gun fired five times.

Thread: #BREAKING #NYPD officer #BrianMulkeen killed in #TheBronx. During struggle with a suspect at Edenwald Houses the officer’s gun went off five times. It appears the officer’s own gun killed him. #Police are trying to determine if the officer or suspect pulled trigger. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/EUhjnDWaGo — Dean Meminger (@DeanMeminger) September 29, 2019

Other officers also fired at the suspect at the scene, striking him, according to officials. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A .32-caliber revolver that belonged to the suspect was recovered at the scene, according to officials, though police say it does not appear at this time that that gun was the one that fired.

Police say the suspect was 27 years old and was on probation for a drug-related arrest. They say he has several prior arrests, including a burglary conviction in Rockland County.

O'Neill says Mulkeen served with the NYPD for six-and-a-half years. Officials say he leaves behind a girlfriend who is also an NYPD officer.