Number of cops killed in US is on the rise

Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick
Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick.
City of Mendota Heights via KARE 11

Charges are expected today in the shooting death of 47-year-old Mendota Heights police officer Scott Patrick.

Patrick was shot this week in what officers described as a routine traffic stop. An hours-long manhunt ensued, ending in the capture of suspect Brian Fitch Sr.

• Map: Where Officer Patrick was shot
• Video: An eyewitness describes the shooting
• Link: List of Minn. officers killed in the line of duty

The incident comes as police departments nationwide are grappling with a recent uptick in gun violence against officers.

More officers have died in gun-related incidents this year than last year at the same time. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Craig Floyd, chairman and CEO at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

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