An off-duty Greensboro police sergeant was shot and killed after he witnessed a crime in progress at the Sheetz at 3202 Sandy Ridge Road at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30.

The Police Department is not releasing the name of the officer at this time out of respect to the family.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson made the following statement at a press conference held at 9:45 Saturday night:

“Thank you for coming,

“I want to thank Mayor Vaughn for joining us tonight representing the City Council.

“This evening, the Greensboro Police Department lost one of our own. Around 4 p.m. at the Sheetz located at 3202 Sandy Ridge Road, an off-duty Greensboro police sergeant witnessed a crime occurring. The officer approached the suspects and was subsequently shot. Another off-duty Greensboro police officer and a Guilford County paramedic were on scene and immediately rendered aid.

“The sergeant was transported to a local medical facility where he succumbed to his injuries.

“He was a loving husband, father, son and brother with 22 years of service to the department. We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro PD family. We would like to thank all of the organizations and leaders for offering condolences and assistance including Gov. Cooper, Guilford County District Attorney’s Office, Secret Service, FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, DEA, SBI, SHP, Forsyth County Sherriff’s Office, Guilford County Sherriff’s Office, Winston-Salem Police Department and the High Point Police Department.

“We also would like to express our appreciation to our community partners and other organizations that have offered their condolences and support.

“We will not be releasing the officer’s information at this time out of respect to the family.

“This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation and more information will be released in the coming days.”

A Blue Alert was issued at 6:10 p.m. and canceled shortly before 8 p.m. A Blue Alert is issued when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured or killed and the suspect is still at large.

The North Wilkesboro Police Department posted the following on Facebook: “Suspects are in custody for the murder of a Greensboro Police Officer tonight after being arrested in Winston-Salem.”