SelectPlusLittle Known About Firefighter ShooterLittle Known About Firefighter ShooterThe Associated PressLittle is known about the man who opened fire on firefighters and police in a St. Louis suburb on Monday. One firefighter was killed and two police officers were wounded. (July 22)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:aerials of burning truck]Police aren't the only ones who have no idea why a man would open fire on firefighters responding to a call to put out a truck in flames.His neighbors don't know either...SOT: Phil Browne, Neighbor of Gunman: "he was like a recluse, no one ever saw him. The only time my neighbors saw him was when he was cutting his lawn.The incident started before 6 Monday morning. When firefighters got to the scene, the shooting started. [Notes:various of scene]Firefighter/paramedic Ryan Hummert was shot and killed as he jumped off the fire truck. Officials say he was new to the department, but well-liked.SOT: Chief Terry Merrell, Maplewood Fire Chief: "Ryan was one of our best and truly took his job to heart. He was proud to be a firefighter and a paramedic. Words cannot begin to express the emotions and pain we are feeling right now."Police responded. Neighbors say it was a scary scene.SOT: Phil Browne, Neighbor of Gunman: "and I overheard cops saying 'where'd those shots come from?' and then I heard them say there's a barrel, possibly the barrel of a gun, pointing from that window." [Notes:various of police at scene]Two officers were hurt - one has been treated and released. Another is still in the hospital, but is expected to survive. [Notes:various of scene] As for the gunman, officials aren't sure what happened to him. A police spokeswoman says police are searching the burned out home where the shooter was holed up -- looking for his remains or any evidence that's left after the fire.The house caught fire hours after the standoff started. Police say no one left while the house burned down. [Notes:various of flowers at City Hall, fire station bunting]Meanwhile, people in the town were already paying tribute to the fallen firefighter -- dropping off flowers at city hall where the flag was lowered to half staff. The station where he worked -- draped in purple and black bunting. ___ ___, The Associated Press Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: fire standoff firefighter shooter Added: July 22, 2008
