A St. Clair Township police officer critically injured in a shootout that left a suspect and a 4-year-old child dead is making a “remarkable” recovery, according to Police Chief Brian McKenzie.
Detective Dakota Wetzel, who was shot during the Jan. 22 incident near a Huntington Bank in Columbiana County, is now communicating with his family and being moved out of bed more frequently as part of his recovery, McKenzie said in a video update posted to social media.
“The doctors here are extremely pleased and happy with his progress,” McKenzie said. “They look for a great recovery for him.”
Wetzel was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital after suffering critical injuries in the exchange of gunfire with 30-year-old Joseph Como, who was killed in the shootout. Four-year-old Rosalie Martin was also fatally shot, authorities said. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
McKenzie urged the public to continue praying for Wetzel and to keep the families of the other victims in their thoughts.
“Please do not forget the other two families that have been affected by this tragedy,” he said. “God bless you.”
Officials have not yet provided additional details on the circumstances that led to the gunfire.
