FAIRBURN, Ga. — Authorities say a police officer has been shot and killed in an ambush outside Atlanta.

Fulton County Assistant Police Chief Gary Stiles tells WXIA-TV that the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday near Fairburn, about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta.

Stiles says police were responding to reports of someone shooting a gun in the neighborhood and were ambushed without warning while trying to protect the residents.

Authorities say the officer died shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday at an Atlanta hospital.

Officials also say the suspect was wounded by police. His condition wasn't immediately available.

Fulton County police Chief Cassandra Jones tells WSB-TV that the officer, whose name wasn't released, had been with the police department for more than 20 years. She called the death devastating and asked for prayers for the officer's family.