A tragic shooting in Columbiana County on Wednesday afternoon claimed the lives of a 4-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man, while leaving a St. Clair Township police officer injured but in stable condition.
The incident began around 2 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a potentially suicidal man, according to St. Clair Township police. Upon arrival, officers located the man and attempted to engage him in conversation. However, the man immediately opened fire, prompting officers to return fire.
During the exchange, a St. Clair Township officer was struck in the head, and a 4-year-old girl at a nearby private business was also hit. The officer was responsive after being shot and was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital in critical condition. By Wednesday evening, he had undergone surgery and was reported to be in stable condition.
The young child was also flown to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The 30-year-old suspect, who was struck by return fire, was given first aid at the scene before being transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. We are working to gather information as quickly as possible to update the community,” said St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie. “We ask for prayers for our officer and the innocent child involved in this tragedy.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, while the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily assumed patrol duties in St. Clair Township.
Counselors have been made available to officers affected by the incident, and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police has extended support to the families involved.
“Our thoughts are with the St. Clair Township Police Department and the community during this difficult time,” said Jay McDonald, President of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police. “This tragedy involved an officer doing their duty and an innocent 4-year-old bystander. We are accepting donations to support the officer, his family, and the child’s family.”
Donations to assist those impacted can be made through the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police Foundation at FOP Ohio Foundation Donations.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available.