LIMA, OHIO -
An already scary situation in Kenton turns deadly as a man shoots and kills himself just outside of a burning trailer.
The Kenton Fire Department was called to the Rush Mobile Home Park on Kenton's west side just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday. However, the Kenton Police Department arrived on scene first.
"Upon the arrival of officers, they were confronted by an individual who came out of the trailer that was on fire. On being confronted by the officers, the individual ended up committing suicide," said Chief John Vermillion, Kenton Police Department.
Firefighters stayed back during the initial commotion.
"As we're pulling in, we had heard radio traffic that there was shots fired. So, we stopped until we made sure the scene was safe, and then once it was clear we pulled in and extinguished the fire," said Chief Russell Blue, Kenton Fire Department.
Police have identified the man as Gary Waite. They say his estranged ex-wife, Susan Waite, lived in the trailer. However, he no longer lived with her. No one else was in the trailer during the fire. However, two dogs that were inside the trailer died.
The Kenton Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the State Fire Marshal's Office are now investigating.
"As for why, we are still early in the investigation to find out the details behind it all," said Chief Vermillion.
Vermillion also says police guns were checked by BCI and officers did not shoot at the man.
The State Fire Marshal has not released a cause of the fire. However, Chief Vermillion says the fire appears to have been intentionally set.
