DANVILLE, Ohio — Officer Thomas Cottrell was allegedly killed by Herschel Jones III, 32, Sunday night. Dispatch received a call from Jones’ ex-girlfriend, who stated Jones had weapons and was planning to kill police officers.
The suspect’s ex-girlfriend called 911 shortly before the discovery to say Herschel Jones III had been “looking to kill a cop.” Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer says dispatchers tried to make contact with the Danville officer, but was unsuccessful, and that prompted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to search the village.
Shaffer says Cottrell was found dead on the ground behind the Danville Municipal Building, and his service weapon had been taken. Officials did not immediately say how the officer died.
Suspect Herschel Jones III was captured at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, after a short foot chase.
Knox County court records show the 32-year-old suspect has multiple convictions for breaking and entering, burglary, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon dating back to 2001. In a 2011 case, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity before changing his plea to guilty. Ohio prison records show he served nearly four years for the 2011 convictions of burglary and receiving stolen property. He was released last April.
Listen to the call below:
Initial Story:
DANVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol issued a statewide alert late Sunday evening for a stolen police cruiser from Knox County and a missing Danville Police officer that may have be injured.
Troopers stated the missing officer was on duty at the time and his hat was found in the area with blood on it.
Initially, they had no idea how badly injured the officer may be, where he was, or if he was with the missing cruiser. They also had not released any information on a possible suspect.
The officer was later found shot outside the Danville Municipal Building. There were also unconfirmed reports of a house that surrounded by police in the area that was possibly related to the situation.
Reports also say that the officer was not answering his radio after being called by dispatch. A manhunt was under way for the suspect.
UPDATE:
Unconfirmed reports also say that the officer has been found deceased at the scene by responding officers. However, we reiterate that these reports are unconfirmed.
UPDATE 2:
Officers are currently chasing suspects they believe are associated with the incident. Officers have one in custody. They are also currently searching a female. They currently are surrounding a residence associated with the suspects.
UPDATE 3:
Police have now cleared the house that they had surrounded. Both the male and female are both in custody and getting evaluated by EMS. There is no further word on the officers condition at this time. Only unconfirmed reports that say the officer has been found deceased at the scene by responding officers. However, we reiterate that these reports are unconfirmed.
UPDATE 4:
OSP now confirms a suspect is in custody. Local media also reports that roads into Danville have been blocked.
UPDATE 5:
Breaking911 is now able to confirm via 2 reliable sources that the Danville Police Officer has been shot and killed this evening. Initial police scanner audio reported the officer as being found deceased at the scene by other responding officers. Chief Jim Gilbert of the Franklin County Sheriffs Office in Ohio confirmed via twitter that the officer was shot and killed.
UPDATE 6:
Danville has a relatively small police department with only 6 police officers and 1 K-9 as of earlier this month. They also have a newly appointed Chief of Police according to the cities website.
Top Row: L-R Officer Chad Lishness, Officer Monte Vance, Police Chief Daniel J. Weckesser, Officer Kevin Henthorn
Bottom Row: L-R Officer Tom Cottrell, Cpl. Lisa Lyons, Officer John Krzoski (no longer w/dept)
UPDATE 7:
OSP confirms the Danville Police Officer has died after being shot overnight. They also confirmed that they have 2 people in custody.
This is a breaking story, stay with Breaking911 for updates.
Photos- 10TV.com
Story- WKYC
