In a gunfight at the home of a man who police described as a “terrorist on a mission,” three Kentucky police officers and a police dog were murdered, while at least four other officers were injured.

According to reports, Lance Storz, 49, was apprehended after a nearly five-hour standoff with police who had arrived at his home in rural Prestonburg with a warrant for his arrest in connection with a domestic violence incident.

In the confrontation on Thursday night, Storz, who was carrying a weapon, fired first and wounded two cops, according to Kentucky State Police.

According to authorities, K9 Nelson and Canine Handler Jacob Chaffins were also killed, along with Prestonburg Police Capt. Ralph Frasure and Deputy William Petry.

Storz holed himself inside the house with his wife and daughter and continued to fire at the responding police officers, according to the police, which soon worsened the situation.

The state police, police from surrounding counties, and a SWAT squad all responded when the deputies requested for backup.

“When they arrived, they found sheer hell. Sheriff John Hunt of Floyd County informed reporters that they had no chance. He emphasised that when the gunshots started, deputies had not yet made contact with the alleged shooter.

According to Hunt, the shooter “very much executed that strategy almost to accuracy,” adding that it took many hours to determine the shooter’s location.

The suspect was an outright terrorist. He was merely an assassin on a terrorist mission, the sheriff claimed.

Keith Bartley, the Floyd County Attorney, stated on Friday morning: “These are people. Their world will never be the same because these are people with families, spouses, and parents.

According to WMDJ, the standoff came to an end when the suspect was brought into custody by the police. His daughter and wife were uninjured.