A fugitive gunman who is suspected of killing nine and wounding several others in armed robberies since 2004 was shot dead in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality Tuesday, police said.

Zhou was killed by police at Tongjiaqiao area, Shapingba District in Chongqing in the morning.

The alleged serial killer, described as "ruthless and highly dangerous" by China's authorities, has become infamous for robbing people withdrawing money from banks and repeatedly dodging police manhunts.

Officials said the "Class-A" wanted suspect by China's Ministry of Public Security shot nine people dead and injured five others over the past eight years. The latest victim was a Chongqing police officer who was trying to stop and question Zhou before he was shot over the weekend.

A fugitive gunman who is suspected of killing nine and wounding several others in armed robberies since 2004 was shot dead in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality Tuesday, police said.