One Dies in Officer Involved Shooting East of Chillicothe Friday Night

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports a suspect died in an officer involved shooting. Chillicothe Dispatch received a call of a one-vehicle accident on Highway 36 east of Chillicothe Friday night. A Livingston County deputy arrived about 6:30 and found the reported vehicle unoccupied. The deputy noticed a set of foot tracks in the snow headed toward some timber, then saw a male approach and state comments that raised concerns of possible mental health problems. The deputy attempted to speak with and help the man, who then handed the deputy a suspected drug and personal item. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says the deputy apparently became comfortable enough in his assistance efforts that both individuals were later seated in the front of the patrol vehicle talking when the man turned violent, seized the microphone from the deputy and continued to attack the deputy. The officer pulled his duty weapon, but the assault continued, and the officer fired. At least one round struck the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. An ambulance transported the deputy to an area hospital. Sheriff Steve Cox requested the Division of Drug and Crime Control conduct a complete investigation of the incident.