FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio — A routine arrest attempt turned tragic as a suspect took their own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Earlier today the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrived at a residence on Basil Western Road to execute an arrest warrant, only to find that the suspect had committed suicide before they could make the arrest. According to Sheriff Alex Lape, the man had discharged a firearm inside the residence as the SWAT team was preparing to enter.
The Sheriff’s Office said the man was located in an upstairs bedroom.
Additional deputies were called to the scene to assist, and the incident is currently under investigation by Sheriff’s Office Detectives. The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating self-harm to seek help from a mental health professional or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
