PARIS — A known terror suspect opened fire on French police, killing one officer and wounding two others before being fatally shot in Paris on Thursday night.
French President Francois Hollande said a female tourist was injured during the shootout. He added that the area had been evacuated and was on lockdown, ABC News reported.
French Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henri Brandet said a car pulled up alongside a police van in the Champs-Elysees shopping district just before 9:00 p.m, according to BBC News.
The gunman exited the car and opened fire on the van with an automatic weapon, Brandet said.
After killing an officer, the suspect tried to run away while shooting at other officers, two of whom he injured.
The suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.
French authorities said the gunman’s identity has been verified, but won’t be released because investigations and raids are being carried out.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq News Agency and identified the attacker as Abu-Yusuf al-Baljiki.
The incident comes three days before France is scheduled to hold its presidential election.
