Man Who Had Been 'Drinking All Day' Kills Ohio Cop

Mayor of Girard says it's the 'saddest day of his life'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 23, 2017 12:40 AM CDT
Ohio Cop Killed After Responding to Domestic Call
This photo provided by the Girard Police Department shows officer Justin Leo.   (Girard Police Department via AP)

Girard, Ohio, is mourning Justin Leo, who's believed to be the first police officer killed in the line of duty in the Youngstown-area city's history. Police say Leo, a 31-year-old who'd been on the Girard force for five years, was shot dead Saturday night after responding to a call about a domestic disturbance, WTVR reports. Authorities say a man at the house pulled a gun and shot Leo after briefly speaking with the officer and his partner. The partner returned fire, killing the man, whose identity has not been released. According to a 911 call police released Sunday, the man had "several firearms" and had been "drinking all day."

Girard Mayor James Melfi said he'd known the officer since he was in first grade and that Sunday was the "saddest day of his life," WJW reports. "We woke up a different community," he said. "We woke up shaken like we never shook before. I don't know how and when we get back, but we have to do that in honor of Officer Leo." At least 1,000 Girard residents—more than a tenth of the city's population—joined a candlelight vigil for Leo Sunday night at Girard High School's Arrowhead Stadium, the Youngstown Vindicator reports. Vigil organizer Marcie Plant says the community is organizing several other ways to pay tribute to Leo. "We're strong. We all stick together," she says. "This is devastating to us." (More Ohio stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X