An off-duty police sergeant was tragically shot and killed on Saturday afternoon at a gas station just outside Greensboro, North Carolina. The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Eastern Time at a Sheetz gas station in the community of Colfax, according to authorities from the Greensboro Police Department.

Greenboro Police Chief John Thompson revealed in a news briefing late Saturday that the sergeant was shot after witnessing a crime and attempting to approach the suspects. The identity of the sergeant has not been released, but Chief Thompson described him as a 22-year veteran of the department.

At the scene, a second off-duty police officer and an off-duty paramedic provided immediate treatment to the injured sergeant until an ambulance arrived. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly succumbed to his wounds, as confirmed by Chief Thompson.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have been actively searching for two suspects in their mid-20s who are believed to be responsible for the shooting. The suspects were reported to be driving a Chevrolet Equinox, but Chief Thompson did not confirm if any arrests have been made at this time. The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service are among the agencies assisting with the investigation.

Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina expressed his condolences in a social media post, stating that he had spoken with Chief Thompson and offered all available state resources to help apprehend those responsible for the officer's death. He emphasized the importance of bringing justice in this tragic situation and extended his thoughts and prayers to the Greensboro Police Department and the officer's family and loved ones.

This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even while off-duty. As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, efforts will continue to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.