Vigil For Slain Officer

Hundreds of people turned out last night for a candlelight vigil to honor a Mendota Heights police officer who was killed earlier in the day.

Authorities say the man wanted in connection with the shooting is in custody after being shot by police in West St. Paul last night.

The man - 39-year-old Brian Fitch - was spotted around 8 p.m. and tried to drive away in his vehicle but police were able to block his car. Fitch began firing at the officers and they returned fire. Fitch was hit several times. He was reported in serious condition today. A woman who was with him was also hit but police say was not seriously hurt.

Police conducted a daylong manhunt for Fitch after veteran Mendota Heights officer Scott Patrick was shot in the head around noon. Authorities say Patrick had pulled Fitch’s car over on a routine traffic stop when he was shot. The 47 year old officer had been with the department for 19 years. He was married and the father of two teenage daughters.

Fitch is described as a career criminal who was released from prison in February. A warrant for his arrest was issued last month, apparently for violating his parole.

( information from AP and other sources )