Springfield officer injured, suspect killed in shootout

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --A Springfield police officer was injured and a suspect was killed when an afternoon arrest erupted into a shootout, authorities said.

Officer David Askins was in good condition and expected to fully recover from a gunshot wound to the leg, said Capt. Robert Cheetham.

Askins was with five other Springfield officers, four state police troopers and one U.S. marshal when they went to arrest Aaron Brevoort. Brevoort, 28, was wanted by authorities in New York state as a fugitive from justice, Cheetham said. He said he had no details about why he was wanted.

"The suspect met the officers at the back door and opened fire with a .45 semi-automatic pistol," Cheetham said.

Brevoort retreated into the house, then ran outside firing at officers, Cheetham said.

He hit Askins in the leg, and other officers returned fire. It is unclear who shot Brevoort, and the police department is investigating the incident, Cheetham said.

Springfield police are authorized to use deadly force if they come under fire, Cheetham said.