The Associated Press
WALDO, Ohio (AP) - Authorities said they had two suspects in the shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy who was killed after responding to a report of a disabled vehicle.
One of the suspects was in custody and law officers were actively searching late Thursday night for Juan C. Cruz, 21, of Marion, who they said was armed and dangerous.
The identity of the second suspect was not released.
Marion County Deputy Brandy Winfield, 29, was pronounced dead at Marion General Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound, Sheriff Tim Bailey said.
“We have no idea why they felt it was necessary to kill an officer,” Delaware County Sheriff Al Myers said.
Deputies with the Franklin County sheriff’s office, along with Columbus police, the U.S. marshal’s office, the state fire marshal’s office and immigration authorities searched a Columbus apartment complex Thursday evening.
Franklin County Chief Deputy Steve Martin said the search was in connection with Winfield’s death but then directed all questions to the U.S. Marshal’s office.
A call to the U.S. Marshal’s office went unanswered early Friday morning. Authorities in the Marion County sheriff’s office said they would hold a briefing Friday.
Friends and family of Winfield described him as a hard-working family man dedicated to helping others.
His father, Rick, and younger brother, Cory, are officers with the Marion Police Department.
“It’s tragic for our department and for our staff,” Bailey said Thursday. “It’s extremely sad.”
Bailey said Winfield was the first Marion County deputy sheriff to die in the line of duty in 30 years.
The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday.