Shelby police Chief Lance Combs held a mid-day press conference Friday to address the destruction of a raccoon by a police cruiser. Combs explained that the responding officer determined the animal was sick and did not feel it was appropriate to use a firearm due to the location, instead he opted to run over the animal with a police vehicle. Combs said the Richland County Sheriff's Office has agreed to open an independent criminal investigation into the actions taken by the officer. Combs said the officer involved has been with the department for more than 10 years and remains on duty. The police department will have new training on using animal snares and the department will also work with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to train officers to better recognize behavior and diseases carried by wildlife.