News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009

Shot Fired at State Wildlife Officer’s Cruiser

COLUMBUS, OH – Three Champaign County men, who allegedly shot at a State Wildlife Officer’s cruiser, hitting the windshield with two State Wildlife Officers inside, were taken into custody on October 30 and released the following day.

Charges will be filed as soon as the investigation has concluded.

State Wildlife Officers Jeffery Tipton and Adam Smith were in the cruiser parked in a field on surveillance looking for poachers. The suspect’s vehicle pulled into the field and directed its headlights at the cruiser. One shot was fired hitting the cruiser in the front windshield. Officers turned on their emergency lights and the suspects fled.

The Wildlife Officers pursued the suspects 4.5 miles from Johnson Township to Concord Township. The three suspects were apprehended with assistance from the Ohio Highway Patrol and Champaign County Sheriff Office.

The investigation is being jointly conducted with the ODNR Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Highway Patrol.