CLEVELAND — Medina County Sheriff's deputies fatally shot a person officers believed was armed and "threatening suicide by cop" in Wadsworth Saturday night, the sheriff's office said.
According to a release, deputies from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office were called to back up Wadsworth police and Wayne County Sheriff's deputies responding to a call of a potentially suicidal individual at around 9:11 p.m.
The sheriff's office said "initial information led deputies to believe" that the person may have been "armed and threatening suicide by cop." Deputies also believed the person may have been about to go to Wadsworth High School. The school, which was in the midst of homecoming celebrations, was placed on lockdown as a "precautionary measure," deputies said.
Officers tracked the person's vehicle down and found it on Silvercreek Road in Wadsworth before attempting a traffic stop. Deputies say the individual "exited the vehicle with a suspected firearm."
Deputies shot at the person, who died at the scene. The sheriff's office said officers and EMS attempted life-saving measures.
The sheriff's office did not say whether a firearm was recovered from the scene.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is handling the investigation into the shooting, confirmed Sunday that no officers were injured.
In a message shared with parents Sunday, Wadsworth City School District Superintendent Andy Hill said the district is "not able to provide any additional details relating to the situation," though Hill did clarify the person who was killed was an adult and not a Wadsworth City Schools student.
"While our students and adults at the dance did an outstanding job following the directions that were given to ensure safety, situations like last night can cause anxiety and other feelings in students and adults alike," Hill wrote. The superintendent added that school counselors will be available at Wadsworth High School from 3-5 p.m. Sunday for students. Counselors will also be available as usual during the school day on Monday.
