Sorry, when I typed it I may have been inaccurate, they were on the stairs but not the stairs within the apartment.
Here is a more detailed explanation: "Carnicle and two of his officers were dispatched to the home. Fortune said the suspect was complying at first and there was no sign of any problem. The suspect then closed the door and left the officers outside.
Additional officers responded to the scene and were able to get into the house. That's when the suspect started to get erratic again and told the officers he wouldn't leave. Carnicle and two officers were standing on the stairs outside the apartment. The suspect opened the door and opened fire on Carnicle and the two other officers."