Police chief reports video of Cincinnati officer shooting armed suspect in Walnut Hills
A recently released body camera video unveiled at a press conference sheds light on an encounter where Cincinnati police officers confronted and ultimately shot an armed individual in Walnut Hills. The individual in question, identified as Patrick Lyons, age 31, now faces charges of felonious assault in connection with the incident that unfolded in the 3000 block of Gilbert Avenue around 9:30 pm on a Sunday. According to Cincinnati Police Chief Theetge, law enforcement were alerted to the situation following a 911 call and swiftly reached the scene within a mere six minutes.
The urgency of the situation was emphasized by the 911 caller, who implored dispatch to expedite their response before any harm ensued. Subsequently, two officers promptly made their way to the location, with additional officers arriving on-site shortly after. Chief Theetge detailed how the body camera footage captured the suspect positioned in a narrow driveway, brandishing a knife approximately 20 feet away from the officers. In an attempt to defuse the escalating tension, the officers engaged the suspect verbally, urging him to relinquish the weapon and engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Despite their efforts, within 12 minutes, Lyons abruptly advanced towards the officers wielding the weapon, prompting two shots to be discharged in his direction by law enforcement. Chief Theetge defended the actions of the officer, stating that the decision to fire was made in response to the imminent threat posed by the suspect’s aggressive stance. Theetge stressed the need for officers to make rapid, split-second decisions in scenarios involving direct danger to ensure the safety of all individuals present.
FOP President Ken Kober provided reassurance that the officer who discharged their weapon in defense against the armed suspect emerged unscathed. Consequently, in compliance with Marsy’s Law, the identities of the five officers present during the incident remain undisclosed. Initial reports indicating the presence of a firearm in Lyons’ possession were debunked by the chief, as no gun was recovered at the scene or on the suspect’s person.
The injured individual sustained a gunshot wound to the hip but is currently in stable condition and recovering in a medical facility. According to Chief Theetge, Lyons has a prior criminal history, underscoring the nature of the encounter that transpired. Commending the performance of the responding officers, Theetge emphasized their proficiency akin to seasoned veterans, crediting their adherence to training protocols during the critical operation.
Furthermore, the police-involved shooting has triggered an investigation by multiple entities including the Cincinnati Police Department Homicide Unit, the Internal Investigations Section, the city’s Citizen Complaint Authority (CCA), and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. The collaborative efforts of these investigative bodies aim to ensure transparency and accountability in scrutinizing the events leading up to the use of lethal force during the encounter.