Deputies Shoot 63-year-old Man Who Fired Gun at Them

 






Rowsburg, Ohio — August 5, 2023: A deadly exchange between a 63-year-old man and Ashland County Sheriff’s Deputies occurred in the small community of Rowsburg after authorities responded to reports of an armed individual acting suspiciously in a residential backyard.

At approximately 7:56 p.m., the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call regarding a man armed with firearms in the 200 block of State Route 250 East. The caller reported that the individual was seated in his backyard with multiple weapons visible, raising concern for public safety and prompting an immediate law enforcement response.

Deputies arrived on the scene within minutes and observed the suspect, later identified as Larry Dunham, age 63, seated in a lawn chair on the property. Dunham had two loaded firearms resting visibly in his lap. His posture and the presence of the weapons raised immediate alarm for the responding officers, who began to cautiously approach while attempting to de-escalate the situation.

According to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies gave multiple verbal commands, urging Dunham to remain calm and to put the weapons down. As they tried to engage him in conversation, Dunham threw his cellphone onto the ground, a sudden and aggressive gesture that foreshadowed what would come next.

Without warning, Dunham grabbed one of the firearms and raised it in the direction of a deputy. He then fired two shots, forcing deputies to respond with deadly force. Two deputies discharged their service weapons, striking Dunham. The entire exchange occurred in a matter of seconds.

Following the gunfire, deputies quickly moved in to secure the area and assess the situation. Medical aid was requested immediately, but Dunham had already succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Emergency responders confirmed that no deputies were harmed during the confrontation.

As is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was contacted and requested to take over the investigation. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office stated that they fully cooperated with the BCI’s efforts, turning over all relevant body camera footage, statements, and physical evidence collected from the scene.

Authorities have not released information about what may have led Dunham to arm himself and sit in his backyard with loaded weapons. Neighbors described the situation as shocking, saying that while Dunham was known in the area, no one expected such a violent turn of events in the otherwise quiet neighborhood.

The deputies involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. This is a standard measure intended to ensure transparency and accountability while state investigators review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Local officials have acknowledged the difficulty of these types of encounters and stressed the importance of protecting both law enforcement officers and the public. “When deputies are faced with an immediate threat to their lives or the lives of others, they are trained to react quickly and decisively,” an Ashland County spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this incident.”

The Ohio BCI continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine whether all procedures were followed appropriately. A final report will be submitted to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office for legal review.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the deputies' use of force was legally justified. Until then, the sheriff’s office and state officials have asked for patience from the public while due process takes its course.




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