(WSPA) – Greenville Police Department has identified 28-year-old Allen Jacobs as the officer killed by a gang member Friday afternoon.READ: Police officer shot, killed near Laurens Rd. in Greenville

Jacobs was shot near the 300 block of Laurens Rd. around 12:30 PM.

The police chief says officers approached a self-admitted gang member, Deontea Mackey.READ Deontea Mackey’s record

Deontea Mackey ran from them down Rebecca St. and opened fire on the officer hitting Jacobs several times.

Police say Jacobs’ weapon was still in his holster and snapped.

He later died at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Police say Mackey shot and killed himself on Swamp Rabbit Trail.READ: Cop-killer kills self on Swamp Rabbit Trail

They think Mackey called his mom right before they shot himself.

Police describe Jacobs as dedicated and worked on gang activity.

He was a 4 1/2 year veteran of the police department.

He was married and was the father of two young boys. His wife is pregnant with the couple’s daughter due to be born in July.

Prior to joining the police department in 2011, he served in the US Army and was a decorated Iraq War veteran and received numerous medals and commendations for his service.

He was ranked Police Officer III and served on the Community Response Team and S.W.A.T. team.

A fund has been setup at TD bank to help the family of Officer Allen Lee Jacobs. Donation can be made at any branch by specifying that it is for Officer Allen Jacob’s family.