Could this police shooting have been handled differently?

Police go to this residence to serve a felony warrant. Woman answers the door. Her boyfriend runs and immediately pulls down the folding stairs and hides in the attic. Police ask woman if her boyfriend is armed. She gives no answer. Officer proceeds to climb the folding stairs to search for the wanted criminal. As soon as the officer reaches the top ladder step and turns on his flashlight to search, wanted felon opens fire and shoots the officer in the head, killing him instantly. Other officers are downstairs and hear the gunshots. They immediately open fire and riddle the ceiling with bullits, killing the suspect. An ambulance is called. Neither survived. Question: Could this incident have been handled in another way, in order save both lives? If so, how?