By Joanna Putman
Police1
FINDLAY, Ohio — Newly released body camera footage shows the moment a fleeing juvenile suspect fired shots at an officer, leading to a fatal officer-involved shooting, WTOL reported.
At a press conference, Findlay Police Chief James Mathias explained that the incident began with a 911 call about underage drinking in a city park. When officers arrived, several juveniles were seated at a table speaking with officers when a 17-year-old fled, according to the report.
An officer had started to run after him when the suspect turned and fired two shots at the officer with a handgun, body camera video shows. The officer returned fire, fatally striking the suspect.
Mathias confirmed that two other juveniles, a 16-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, were present but uninjured, according to the report. Officers immediately rendered first aid to the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
“This was a dangerous and tragic situation,” Mathias said during the press conference. “Our officers are trained to respond to threats of violence, especially when a gun is involved. A handgun was recovered. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who were a part of this incident…as a department… and also for the loss of a life.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is handling the investigation, along with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office. The officers involved are on leave, and their names have not been disclosed.
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