Iceland Police Kill Man, For The First Time Ever

Armed man failed to respond to officers and injured two

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Gunfire is a rare occurrence in Iceland, a country with lower crime rates than most. Police hardly have a reason to draw their firearms and there has never been a fatal shooting of a suspect — until now, BBC reports.

Police and special forces went to the apartment of a 59-year old man who was discharging his shotgun at home on Monday. After tear gas failed to subdue him, police entered the apartment and in the ensuing exchange of fire two officers were injured, along with the suspect, who died of his injuries soon after arriving at the hospital. His motives for his action remain unknown and it is believed he was alone in his apartment.

“Police regret this incident and would like to extend their condolences to the family of the man,” said Icelandic police chief Haraldur Johannessen.

An investigation into the incident is currently being carried out, and counseling is being provided to the special forces team.

[BBC]