Eight Cuyahoga Falls police officers have been honored by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine for a February incident involving a man who fired into his ex-girlfriend's house and entered the home with at least two guns and extra ammunition.
The 22-year-old man ended up shooting and killing himself as police closed in.
Receiving the Distinguished Law Enforcement Valor Award are Sgt. Todd Shafer and Patrolmen Trevor Ford, Joel Moledor, John Neforos and Sean Sheets.
Receiving the Distinguished Law Enforcement Meritorious Service Award are Sgt. Martin Rogers and Patrolwomen Cheryl Desko and Dawn McIlvain.
Police told Channel 3 they were sent to the home on 23rd Street after an ex-boyfriend of one of the residents arrived at the house and shot out a back glass door. The man then entered the house while the three people inside hid upstairs.
Police entered the home and found the man hiding in the basement. When officers confronted the man, police say he shot himself with a 9mm handgun. The man died at the hospital of his injuries.
According to police, in addition to the 9mm handgun, the man had an AK47 assault rifle, more than 140 rounds of ammunition and cable ties with him. Police had issued an alert earlier in the evening searching for the man after he made threats.
According to DeWine's commendation, the man also had protein bars on him. That and the cable ties led law enforcement to believe he might have been preparing for a standoff or a kidnapping.
"All of the officers who responded that night showed incredible bravery, whether in the home or remaining on the perimeter with a gunman at large," Chief Jack Davis said in nominating his officers for this award.
"You'll be in our prayers always," Cuyahoga Falls family members wrote in thanking the eight officers who responded to their home the night of Feb. 16.
"Those receiving awards this year have all made tremendous contributions to their communities by valiantly saving lives and putting the safety of others before their own, by going above and beyond for community members, and by dedicating their lives to public service," said DeWine, who also handed out other awards to law enforcement from around Ohio Wednesday. "It is an honor to present these awards to the best of the best in Ohio law enforcement."
