Dayton man dies in shootout with law enforcement on Interstate 77 near Dover
DOVER ‒ A Dayton man suffering a mental health crisis died in a shootout early Friday with troopers from the Ohio Highway Patrol and a deputy from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office at the Interstate 77 southbound ramp at the Schneiders Crossing exit in Dover.
The man has been identified by Sheriff Orvis Campbell as Kendall Floyd Woodard, 34, of Dayton.
At around 2:19 a.m., the sheriff's office was requested to assist state troopers with a man in his vehicle at the southbound off ramp at the Schneiders Crossing exit, Campbell said. The patrol had stopped to check on a disabled vehicle when troopers encountered Woodward, who demonstrated concerning behaviors.
The patrol had requested an ambulance, and then a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) trained deputy to assist with Woodward. Troopers and the deputy attempted to help the man over the next several hours by attempting to talk him into getting some medical help, the sheriff said.
"The units on scene made exhaustive efforts to include retrieving him food and drink, offering crisis services and assuring him repeatedly that they only wanted to get him help," Campbell said. "EMS from the Dover Fire Department also assisted with these efforts to convince the subject to get help."
Weapon pointed at law enforcement
Near the end of the incident, Woodward brandished a handgun and pointed the weapon at law enforcement which resulted in the shooting. The weapon was still in Woodard’s hand when it was recovered. Woodard was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff said. The shots were fired at 5:23 a.m.
"My preliminary review of the incident reveals that the deputy, troopers and EMS had worked towards and hoped for a peaceful medical transport," Campbell said. "Law enforcement was not even aware that the suspect possessed a weapon until it was brandished, and the shooting occurred. The troopers and the deputy attempted to render first aid after the shooting without success. Neither the troopers nor the deputy was injured during the event.
"I believe that the investigation will reveal that all of the law enforcement on scene acted honorably and as trained and that this community will be proud of their extensive efforts during this long incident even though it ended tragically."
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is doing the investigation for both agencies.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Man killed in shootout with police at Schneiders Crossing exit
