WASHINGTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Five people, including the suspect, were killed and three others injured in a shooting at a residence in U.S. state of Kentucky early Saturday, policy said.

 

According to the Florence Police Department, four individuals were declared deceased at the location, while three others were taken to a nearby hospital and are currently in critical but stable condition.

 

Officers responded to the residence at nearly 3 a.m. (0700 GMT) Saturday and as they approached the home, they still heard shots being fired, Police Chief Jeff Mallery said at a press conference. People were attending a birthday pool party at that time.

 

The suspect, described as an adult male, fled the scene in a vehicle prior to police arrival, leading to a police chase. The suspect then drove off the road and crashed into a ditch. Law enforcement found the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

 

Party attendees recognized the suspect and provided his identity to the police. According to Mallery, he had a prior conviction for a sexual offense, though it does not appear to be connected to the shooting.