VIDEO: Suspect Killed After Opening Fire on Ohio Officers
A gun battle with Northwood, Ohio, and Oregon, Ohio, police turned deadly early Friday, but no officers were hurt in the shootout.
Oregon police Chief Mike Navarre said at a news conference the officers “performed admirably. They were very lucky. Clearly these officers were defending themselves.”
Erica Michelle Lauro, 22, from Florida shot at police. She was killed. A companion, Jack Welenski, 30, of Illinois was shot in the leg and arm. Another suspect identified as Kenneth Maldonado of Florida was taken into custody. Welenski faces several charges including attempted murder of a police officer. Chief Navarre said “these are some bad folks” and added the suspects were armed with weapons including a sawed-off shotgun.
The incident began at 1:09 AM when officers were called to Icons Eatery in Oregon following a report of a disturbance. Three suspects, including a woman, got into a confrontation with other patrons which led to an argument outside in the parking lot. One person sought treatment at a local hospital after being struck, according to police.
When police arrived, they pursued the suspects in a vehicle which led to a home in the Aztec Subdivision in Northwood where police believe the suspects tried to steal a license plate. Police said they believe the suspects attempted an ambush on police with two of the suspects hiding behind a car while firing at officers. Five of six officers exchanged gunfire and two suspects were hit, ABC 13 reports.
