A Massachusetts community is in mourning after a police officer was attacked with a rock and fatally shot with his own firearm while serving in the line of duty.

Michael Chesna, 42, was responding to a call in Weymouth regarding an erratic driver on Sunday morning. After police had been alerted that the suspect had taken off on foot following a single car crash, Chesna allegedly witnessed the suspect vandalizing a residence, according to Greg Connor, the Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney, at a press conference.

Chesna exited his vehicle, drew his firearm and ordered the suspect, Emanuel Lopes, to surrender. At that time, Lopes allegedly hit Chesna in the face with a large rock, which knocked him to the ground causing him to drop the firearm.  Lopes picked up the firearm and allegedly shot multiple rounds into Chesna’s head and chest.

Responding officers returned fire, striking Lopes in the leg and causing him to take off running by foot. During the police chase, Lopes allegedly discharged the stolen firearm several times. A local woman was also caught in Lopes’ line of fire and killed. (RELATED: Massachusetts Governor Signs Gun Seizure Bill)

Chesna was pronounced dead at the hospital less than an hour after police were first notified of Lopes. His body was transported to the medical examiner in Boston, and the route was lined with police cars. Fellow officers stood at attention as the vehicle carrying Chesna’s body passed, saluting their fallen brother, reported The Patriot Ledger.

WATCH:

“I saw him and he said ‘I’ll see you tomorrow,'” said Liz O’Herron, a resident of Weymouth who paid her respects as the procession drove by. “He was the best guy in the world. Nobody could say a bad thing about Mike. I just can’t believe it.”

“In this day and age there is so much negativity toward the police and they’re just here to help us,” said Jodie Hogan, another local woman. “This guy left two [young children] behind. It’s just so sad.”

Today would have been Officer Michael Chesna’s 6th anniv. with @WeymouthPD, but he was shot & killed yesterday while doing his job. Another example of the dangers facing police each day. #USA lost a cop & proud @USArmy vet. A wife lost a husband. And 2 young kids lost their dad. pic.twitter.com/zBwpTeRZIK

— Commissioner O’Neill (@NYPDONeill) July 16, 2018

Monday would have been Chesna’s sixth anniversary with the Weymouth Police Department, according to James O’Neill, commissioner of the New York City Police Department.

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