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Two Chicago police officers killed by train

Two Chicago police officers were killed Monday when they were hit by a passing commuter train, police said. They were identified as Eduardo Marmolejo, 37, and Conrad Gary, 31.

Police said the officers were investigating a call of shots fired when they were hit by the train, CBS Chicago reports

Witnesses told CBS Chicago they saw the police chase then heard the screech of the train coming to a stop.

Police said a weapon was found and a person of interest was being questioned at the site where the two newly appointed officers "lost their lives protecting their community from a gunman." 

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson   Johnson said the train was traveling 60 or 70 miles an hour and both officers were killed immediately.

"By doing the most dangerous thing any police officer can do, that is to chase an individual with a gun, these brave young men were consumed with identifying a potential threat to their community and put the safety of others above their own," Johnson said.

"We've lost two young men, both fathers," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "This holiday will never be the same. Those two families, all our hearts are with them."

According to a CBS Chicago employee on the train, the power went off, and a visibly shaken conductor told riders there was an emergency and an investigation is being conducted.

Train workers could be seen on the tracks with flashlights.

Police the conducted interviews with passengers on board.

An officer on the scene said this was not an intentional act, but wouldn't give out any more information.

Johnson said Marmolejo had 2-and-a-half years on the force and Gary had just 18 months. Marmolejo was married with three young children and Gary was married with an infant.

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