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Police Identify Suspect Killed In Shootout With Officers

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City police have identified the suspect and officers involved in a shootout that wounded an officer and led to the death of the suspect.

The suspect was identified as Nathaniel Sassafras, 29. Sassafras died as a result of the shooting.

The incident happened Sunday evening near the 800 block of Vine St.

Police say both officers involved were wearing body-worn cameras. One of the cameras was shot and damaged, so it's being sent back to Axon to retrieve the data.

The department has not yet decided if they will release the footage, and will announce their decision after reviewing all the video.

Officials also identified the officers involved in the shooting as Officer Phillip Lippe and Officer Steven Foster. Officer Lippe sustained gunshot wounds but was released from the hospital Monday.

RELATED: Officer Wounded In Shootout Released From Hospital

The officers were in the area for a "crime suppression initiative," which police are running in several areas of Baltimore. Police are not yet sure what led up to the shooting, but the officer and suspect exchanged gunfire.

Witnesses say they heard 20 or more shots at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

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