A call about a suicidal man escalated into a violent shootout Wednesday afternoon, leaving a St. Clair Township police officer critically injured and a four-year-old child wounded, according to Chief Brian McKenzie.
The incident began around 2 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a suicidal male walking along St. Clair Avenue, near the Calcutta and East Liverpool areas of Columbiana County. As officers approached the man to engage him in conversation, he reportedly pulled a weapon and opened fire on the three officers at the scene, Chief McKenzie said.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.
During the exchange of gunfire, one officer was critically injured, and a bullet struck a four-year-old child at a nearby private business.
The injured officer was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital for treatment. The child was also airlifted to a hospital, though the child’s condition remains unknown at this time, McKenzie said.
Officers at the scene rendered aid to the suspect before emergency medical services arrived. The suspect’s condition is also currently unknown.
“We need prayers for our officers and for the child.” McKenzie said in a brief statement.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Meanwhile, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office will handle calls for St. Clair Township police that the department cannot respond to during this time.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
