PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans is investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday. According to reports, deputies and EMS responded to a shooting at a home on Muddy Fork Road near Cynthiana.
The victim, Chris Martin, 65, was gunned down, according to neighbors, as he was taking out the trash. He was loved by everyone, his family and friends said. Martin served as a local bus driver for many years with the Western Pike Local School District.
Shortly after deputies arrived on the scene, Sheriff Evans issued a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) alert for a white or grey minivan heading north toward Ross County. Witnesses at the scene say the suspect had a silver Nissan Xterra with black trim.
A Latham resident told law enforcement that they had seen the vehicle at a local gas station the day of the murder.
Members of the small community of Cynthiana believe the murder was a robbery, but officials have not commented on the nature of the crime or the investigation.
“Our community is hurting right now. We have lost a great man,” said one area resident.
No additional details were immediately available, and the incident remains under investigation.