Trending Topics

BWC: Woman speeding wrong way on highway brandishes gun at Ohio officers before fatal OIS

An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver by pinning the car to a barrier with his cruiser

UNION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Body camera video shows the moments leading up to a fatal officer-involved shooting of a woman who brandished a gun after driving the wrong way on Interstate 275, WLWT reported.

Around 11 p.m. on April 1, Union Township’s dispatch center received over a dozen 911 calls reporting a vehicle speeding northbound in the southbound lanes of I-275, according to the report.

An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper eventually stopped the SUV by pinning it between a concrete barrier and his patrol car. Body camera footage released by the Union Township Police Department shows officers responding quickly to the scene as dispatchers warned them the suspect may be armed.

“Suspect has a gun. Trooper out. Physical contact,” one dispatcher relayed.

Officers are heard continuing to give verbal commands.

“Keep your hands up,” one officer shouted before multiple gunshots were fired.

Footage shows officers approaching the vehicle with weapons drawn.

“Show me your hands now. She’s got a gun on her. Stop moving,” one officer yelled. As a trooper attempted to reposition his cruiser, the SUV rolled forward. A Union Township officer fired at a tire to bring the vehicle to a stop against the highway median.

Officers then broke a window, pulled the woman from the vehicle, and secured the firearm.

Officers began rendering medical aid, but the woman was pronounced dead from her injuries.

Authorities have not released information about what led to the wrong-way driving or whether impairment was a factor, according to the report. The investigation remains ongoing.

Trending
The 10-time convicted felon fled Washington with help from his mother after firing at Thurston County deputies during a pursuit
After 14 months of negotiations, the Pierce County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild says the county has proposed a 10% raise over three years, an offer the union says is “not competitive at all”
NLEOMF also names Chief Tom Manger for lifetime achievement and Craig Floyd for distinguished service at annual board awards
Jurors were split in the case of former Grand Rapids PD officer Christopher Schurr, who said he acted in self-defense during fatal encounter with Patrick Lyoya

Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com