On 3-16-2021 at approximately 11:51 PM, the Shelby Police Department was requested to do a welfare check on a potentially armed and suicidal individual at the west end of Seneca Drive. As officers approached by vehicle, a male standing near the vehicle fired a rifle. Officers retreated and established a perimeter with the assistance of other agencies.
Officers repeatedly attempted dialogue with the individual, who responded by firing additional shots. At approximately 12:52 AM, the individual pointed the rifle at officers, and 2 Shelby officers fired at the individual. It was determined that the individual was struck by the officer’s gunfire, and he was ordered to move away from his weapon. Officers assembled a four-man team and approached the individual, secured the weapon and provided first aid. Shelby Fire and Superior Ambulance were staged on location and immediately arrived to provide treatment. The individual was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital.
Assisting the Shelby Police Department was the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Plymouth Police Department, Ontario Police Department and Mansfield Police Department.
The Richland County Prosecutor’s Office was notified, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted to conduct an investigation into the shooting. Per departmental policy, both officers were placed on paid administrative leave, pending review of the incident.
To ensure the integrity of the BCI Investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.