Holly MatkinLima, OH – An Allen County sheriff’s deputy was shot in the face during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning.
The incident began at approximately 2:30 a.m. on June 21, when an unidentified Allen County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputy attempted to stop a vehicle on 2nd Street, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
The driver “immediately fled the scene,” leading the deputy on a brief pursuit that ended several blocks away, according to the ACSO.
The suspect then bailed out of the vehicle and took off on foot.
The deputy chased the suspect down, leading to a physical struggle between them, the ACSO said.
The sheriff’s office said deputy and the suspect exchanged gunfire during the confrontation.
The gunman died from his wounds, and the deputy was shot in the face.
The wounded deputy was rushed to Lima Memorial Health System for emergency care before being transferred to a hospital in the Columbus area, according to the ACSO.
Ohio Attorney General’s Office Press Secretary Steve Irwin said the deputy’s injuries appear to be serious, but that they are not believed to be life threatening, The Lima News reported.
The suspect’s identity was not immediately released.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) will lead the investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting at the request of Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia.
BCI Special Investigations and Crime Scene Units remained on the scene on Tuesday afternoon.
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