FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) - The Findlay Police Department has released more details and the body camera footage from Wednesday's officer-involved shooting that ended in the death of 90-year old Robert Norton.
According to Findlay Police Chief James Mathias, the officer-involved shooting has been initially and preliminarily described as a "suicide by cop". Just before 2 PM on Wednesday, Norton called 911 of a reported shooting at 1642 Cherry Lane and hung up on dispatchers after 35 seconds. Initially, two Findlay oficers arrived to the address, where Norton pointed a firearm at them out the front door.
Immediately after, the two officers fired a total of seven shots at Norton, where he was fatally struck. The officers were not injured. Chief Mathias reported Norton's handgun was a Crossman BB gun, a gun he says very closely resembles a Beretta PX4 9 millimeter handgun. Mathias says an investigation by the Ohio BCI is underway to determine if Norton's death was officially suicide by cop.
"All indications known at this time indicate that a suicide by officer incident has occurred, with the evidence and other collaborating statements," said Chief Mathias. "So far in this investigation, I have four officers currently off work with pay, on critical incident leave. We will be working with the Ohio BCI investigators with all their requests for a complete and transparent investigation."
Findlay mayor Christina Muryn also took to the podium at Friday's press conference, urging people to utilize mental health resources if they are struggling.
"Findlay and across the country are seeing an increase in suicide, and it's a tragic situation, and so if you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, please know that you are not alone," said Muryn. "In Findlay and Hancock County, please reach out, whether it's the Family Resource Center, the hospital, or 988, we definitely want to make sure that folks are taken care of."
The full body cam footage can be found here. The video may be disturbing to some viewers.
