FINDLAY, OH (WLIO) - A juvenile died from his injuries from an officer-involved shooting in Findlay Monday night.
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday at Benard Park.
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday at Benard Park. Findlay police were called out for reports of three juveniles drinking in the park. Police say one of the male suspects ran off, and an officer took off after him. The juvenile allegedly fired a shot at the officer, who returned fire, striking him. Officers say they administered first aid before the juvenile was taken to the hospital, where he died earlier Tuesday.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be leading the investigation.
Police Chief James Mathias says a handgun was recovered at the scene. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be leading the investigation. Body-cam footage of the incident may be released in the near future.
October 29, 2024, Press Release from Chief James Mathias of the Findlay Police Department: On October 28, 2024 at 1828 hrs. officers were dispatched to Benard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages. Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park. During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued. During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursing officer. The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect. Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid. The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital. The juvenile suspect has been pronounced deceased on October 29, 2024. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation.
This was a dangerous and tragic situation. Our officers are trained to respond to threats of violence, especially when a gun was involved. A handgun was recovered on scene. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were part of this critical incident as a department and also the loss of a life.
We are aware of the comments, assumptions and misinformation on social media and we will be releasing information as it becomes available. We are working closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on releasing redacted information in the near future regarding Axon Body Worn Camera footage.
October 29, 2024, Press Release from the Findlay Police Department: Officers were dispatched to Benard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages. Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park. During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued. During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursing officer. The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect. Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid. The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital in critical, but stable condition. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation.
***Update 10/29/2024*****
The juvenile suspect has been pronounced deceased.
