(WSBT) The shooting that claimed the life of South Bend Police Corporal Nick Polizzotto early Tuesday morning came as a shock to both residents and police.

“We heard like crack-crack-crack, a little slower than that, and I told her, ‘that's a gunshot,’" Ronald Taylor, who lives near the Wooden Indian Motel, told WSBT News.

Taylor's wife made the 911 call after a man opened fire outside their home overnight.

“He was slow and deliberate, he took his time,” Taylor said. “It was like he was at a gallery — he was just shooting."

He said the man started out shooting at objects along the street. Then police arrived.

“All the police were yelling and screaming, that's all I heard,” Taylor added.

More gunfire followed, and hours later, South Bend Police Chief Tom Fautz announced the worst had happened — the armed suspect shot and wounded two officers, Cpl. Nick Polizzotto — a nine-year veteran — had died.

Patrolman Michael Norby — on the force for less than two years — was injured in the shooting.

Police officers, one after another, paid their respects at the hospital — a sign of support and a sign of loss — after gunshots ended with one officer’s life.

“There's a lot of emotion and old wounds that are reopened and this is very difficult,” Capt. Phil Trent said.

The critical incident team has been called in to help the officers here deal with this loss.

One officer said the department is like a family, and having that kind of support helps in times like this.

Mayor Stephen Luecke issued a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing support for the families of the two officers.

"I am deeply grateful for the life and service of Cpl. Nick Polizzotto. He was an outstanding officer and his life was far too short," Mayor Luecke said "I am also deeply grateful that Patrolman Michael Norby will recover from his wounds. Our thoughts and prayers are with these officers, their families and friends."

U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Granger, expressed sadness and gratitude today in a statement he released Tuesday, according to our partners at the South Bend Tribune.

"It was with great sadness that I learned of the shooting incident this morning at the Wooden Indian Motel. Our community can be proud of the heroism exhibited by our police force," Donnelly said.

"Cpl. Nick Polizzotto will be remembered as a hero who died while keeping his community safe," he said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice and my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to Patrolman Michael Norby for his brave service in the line of duty. I hope he makes a full recovery and can return to his friends and family soon."

State Representative Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville, also expressed her condolences Tuesday.

"My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to the families of the South Bend police officers that were shot today," she said in a statement. "We, as a community, must have a dialogue about doing everything humanly possible to offer protection to our front line defenders and to setup a zero tolerance policy in this state towards the shooting of police officers.

"I want to assure the Polizzotto and Norby families that I will continue to fight on behalf of all police officers in this state. I again extend my condolences to the Polizzotto family, as well as to the entire South Bend Police Department,” Walorski added.

Investigators and prosecutors are expected to meet Tuesday. The gunman was also killed in the shooting, but police have not released his name, saying they are attempting to contact family members.

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