Ohio Police Officer Shot Trying to Rescue Hostage Held at Gunpoint

Feb. 12, 2024
An Ontario police officer and a woman were shot and wounded by an armed man, who went on to take a 16-year-old hostage and barricade himself inside an apartment for four hours before surrendering.

An Ohio police officer was shot and wounded Sunday trying to rescue a hostage held at gunpoint, who also was shot by the suspect.

The incident happened shortly before 9 a.m. when Ontario police responded to a call concerning an armed man who was allegedly violating a protective order, WBNS-TV reports. When officers reached the scene, they found a man holding a woman at gunpoint.

The suspect—identified as Jareth Vance, 32—opened fire when officers tried to rescue the woman. One officer—a six-year veteran with the department—was struck at least once, and the woman also was shot when she tried to break free from the suspect.

The officer was rushed to the hospital and was in stable condition. The condition of the wounded woman was not immediately known.

Following the shooting, Vance barricaded himself inside an apartment and held a 16-year-old hostage. Police began negotiating with Vance, and Richland County Sheriff's deputies, Mansfield police and Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers were called into help.

The ensuing standoff lasted four hours and ended when Vance surrendered. His hostage also was released unharmed.

 
 

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