GhLinks Media
A 4-year-old girl has died, and a police officer is critically injured after a shootout in St. Clair Township, Ohio.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when officers responded to reports of a man who was possibly suicidal. St. Clair Township Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Joseph Como.
When officers approached Como, he reportedly opened fire. Officers returned fire, striking Como, who later died from his injuries.
During the exchange, a bullet struck a 4-year-old child inside a nearby business. The child was airlifted to the hospital but tragically passed away Wednesday night.
Additionally, Officer Dakota Wetzel was shot in the head.
He was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital, underwent surgery, and is now in stable condition.
St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie has asked the Ohio Bureau of Investigation to oversee an independent inquiry into the incident.
McKenzie stated that counselors are available to help officers cope with the tragedy.
