UPDATE: State Trooper Shot While On Duty in Metro Area Friday Morning has died

UPDATE: An arrest has been made in Trooper Hopkins' death

An Illinois State Police Trooper was killed early Friday morning as officers executed a search warrant in East St. Louis.

Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, 33 of Waterloo, a 10-year veteran of the force, was wounded during an exchange of gunfire while serving the warrant at an East St. Louis home, Acting State Police Director Brendan Kelly said Friday.

Trooper Hopkins was struck during the exchange and transported to a hospital in the East St. Louis area with life-threatening injuries. At approximately 6:10 pm Friday, Hopkins succumbed to his injuries.

“It is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of Trooper Nicholas Hopkins. Trooper Hopkins laid down his life while protecting the citizens of this state. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Hopkins and the ISP while we continue to grieve and work through this tragedy,” stated Acting Director Brendan Kelly.

Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith told reporters Friday that Hopkins was married and the father of four-year-old twins and an infant daughter.