A four-year-old girl and the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, have died following a shootout with police Wednesday afternoon in Columbiana County. A St. Clair Township police officer remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident began around 2 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a suicidal man walking along St. Clair Avenue.
According to Chief Brian McKenzie, officers approached Como to speak with him. Almost immediately, he pulled a weapon and opened fire on the officers.
Officers returned fire, striking Como. During the exchange, a bullet also hit a four-year-old girl inside a nearby business.
Como was treated at the scene but later died. The child was flown to a hospital but succumbed to their injuries. The critically injured officer was airlifted to a Pittsburgh-area hospital and remains under medical care. At last check, he was in surgery.
“We need prayers for our officers and for the families affected by this tragedy,” Chief McKenzie said.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Meanwhile, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office is handling calls for St. Clair Township police during this time.
Further updates will be provided as details become available.
