WASHINGTON - Two police officers were shot dead in mid-western US state of Ohio on Saturday, local authorities said.

The two officers were responding to a 911 call at the address in Westerville. They were fired upon when they arrived at the scene, said the report.

The victims were later identified as 54-year-old officer Anthony Morelli and 39-year-old officer Eric Joering, Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer announced during a press briefing Saturday.

Joering, a 16-year veteran, was killed at the scene. Morelli, a 29-year veteran, died in surgery at Ohio State University Medical Center, Morbitzer said.

A wounded suspect is in custody and the Columbus Police Department is handling the investigation, officials said.