Officials release video showing when 2 Mifflin Township officers were shot
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A suspect is still on the run after two Mifflin Township police officers were shot on Wednesday night.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office held a news conference on Thursday to show body camera video of how the shooting unfolded.
Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said the incident started during a traffic stop by Mifflin Township officers about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Perdue Avenue and Mecca Road, in a part of the Northeast Side that falls outside of Columbus city limits.
During the stop, Baldwin said that the passenger in the car, Daveonte Dixon, 21, started to run away. When officers chased after him, Dixon turned and fired, hitting the two officers.
On Thursday, police continued to search for Dixon, who is on probation. Officials said he should be considered "armed and dangerous."
Chief Deputy Rick Minerd said Dixon could be anywhere, but they won't stop until he's taken into custody. The warrants for his arrest have been entered nationally.
"There's no rock that you're going to hide under, Mr. Dixon," Minerd said. "We're going to bring him to justice."
"Let's get this bum off the street," he said.
Minerd added that the gun used in the shooting has been recovered, but they believe Dixon may have access to other guns.
Anyone who helps Dixon avoid capture will also face charges. “We're not going to stop until we find him. Mainly, he poses a great threat to us and the citizens out here," said Marshal Black.
Dixon has prior convictions, including burglary and obstruction of justice, and is legally prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Those with information are asked to contact law enforcement, with Central Ohio Crime Stoppers offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. “We need to make sure that we do everything possible as far as in our hands with Crimestoppers, but also in the community. We want the community to keep their eyes and ears open. If they see him anywhere, they might be, make sure they make that phone call," said President of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, Napoleon Bell.
Baldwin said the driver of the vehicle in the traffic stop cooperated with police, is not considered a suspect, and has been released.
The Mifflin Township Police Department has five full-time officers. Mifflin Township said one of the injured officers will be released from the hospital Thursday while another underwent a second surgery Thursday morning and continues to recover.