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US police killer suspect at large US police killer 'will be caught'
(40 minutes later)
Police say a suspect in the killings of four officers in Washington State was not in a house which they had laid siege to for several hours. A gunman who shot dead four US police officers as they sat in a cafe in Washington State will be brought to justice, a police chief has vowed.
Officers had surrounded the premises in Seattle and called on Maurice Clemmons to come out. Lakewood Police Chief Bret Farrar described the four victims as "good people and great officers".
Shots and explosions were heard at the house, before police confirmed that Mr Clemmons was not there. Earlier, police laid siege for several hours to the Seattle house where the chief suspect in the case, named as Maurice Clemmons, was believed to be.
Earlier, detectives said the killer had himself been shot during the attack in a cafe on Sunday and may be dead. But when officers stormed in, the property turned out to be empty.
Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said warrants for first-degree murder had been issued against Mr Clemmons, 37, and the search for him was continuing. Police said warrants for first-degree murder had been issued against Mr Clemmons and the search for him was continuing.
He said people who knew Mr Clemmons had told police he had been shot in the torso. Police have issued arrest warrants for Maurice Clemmons
"If he didn't get a ride out of there, he could still be in the area," Mr Troyer said. Chief Farrar, his voice breaking with emotion, told a news conference that he had visited the families of the murdered officers.
The Seattle Times reported that police were searching the University of Washington campus following a reported sighting of Mr Clemmons. "It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I hope I never have to do it again," he said.
The four police officers - Sgt Mark Renninger and officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards - were shot dead at the cafe in Parkland, 40 miles (65km) south of Seattle on Sunday morning. "We will get through this, although it is a very difficult time for us and the families.
Advertisement He praised police teams involved in the hunt for the killer and added: "There is no doubt in my mind that this person will be brought to justice."
Ed Troyer, Pierce County Sheriff's department: "We did find a tracking device that was cut off his ankle" The four police officers - Sgt Mark Renninger and officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards - were shot dead at the cafe in Parkland, 40 miles (65km) south of Seattle, on Sunday morning.
The killer fled but on Monday authorities said he had been wounded by one of his victims. On Monday, detectives revealed that the killer had himself been shot during the attack.
"We don't know if he's still alive," Mr Troyer told CBS television. "We don't know if he's still alive," Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer told CBS television.
"If he isn't, it's because he succumbed to the wound he received yesterday when he was in the struggle with the police officer that managed to get a shot fired at him before he was killed.""If he isn't, it's because he succumbed to the wound he received yesterday when he was in the struggle with the police officer that managed to get a shot fired at him before he was killed."
Acting on a tip-off, officers sealed off part of the Leschi area of Seattle, while armed Swat team members ringed the property. Acting on a tip-off, officers sealed off part of the Leschi area of Seattle on Sunday night, while armed Swat team members ringed the house where Maurice Clemmons was believed to be holed up.
Local residents were told to stay in their homes with their doors locked.
Police shone strong lights on the house and a negotiator called out to Mr Clemmons.
As the siege continued through the night, witnesses heard loud bangs, breaking glass, explosions and shots.As the siege continued through the night, witnesses heard loud bangs, breaking glass, explosions and shots.
But it was later revealed that Mr Clemmons was not in the house.But it was later revealed that Mr Clemmons was not in the house.
The Seattle Times reported that police were also searching the University of Washington campus following a reported sighting of Mr Clemmons.
US media said Mr Clemmons has a long criminal history including a recent arrest for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Washington state.US media said Mr Clemmons has a long criminal history including a recent arrest for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Washington state.
Investigators said the four officers had been working on their laptops when the attack happened.
Mr Troyer said police would be "surprised if there is a motive worth mentioning" but that the gunman had been "well versed" with the weapon used in the attack.
No-one else in the cafe was injured.