CINCINNATI — A tragic incident unfolded in the city on Friday, as a county deputy was fatally struck by a vehicle, while law enforcement officials investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., faces charges of aggravated murder in connection with the deputy’s death, which is being treated as an apparent act of deliberate violence.
Hinton’s court appearance on Saturday drew significant attention, notably due to the presence of numerous deputies in support of their fallen colleague. Prosecutors allege that Hinton intentionally drove his vehicle toward the deputy, aiming to cause harm. A judge has ordered Hinton to remain in custody until a subsequent hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
An attorney representing Hinton noted in court that his client has no prior felony convictions and is aware of the gravity of the allegations. The case has caught the attention of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who expressed his profound distress over what he characterized as a shocking act of violence.
Just hours before the tragic crash, Hinton and relatives convened at the Cincinnati police chief’s office to observe body camera footage depicting the police shooting of Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan, just one day earlier. Michael Wright, an attorney representing Hinton’s family, shared that Hinton was visibly shaken and could not endure the entirety of the video.
“He was distraught and despondent,” Wright stated, clarifying that he does not represent Hinton in the matter related to the deputy’s death. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed that the deputy, who had recently retired but continued to work off-duty assignments, was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation activities when he was struck.
The deputy, whose name has yet to be released, was described as well-regarded within the community. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey expressed her sorrow, stating, “What a tremendous loss we have all suffered.”
Authorities continue to probe the specifics of the incident, with Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich asserting that if evidence reveals intent behind the act, the legal system will respond decisively.
The fatal sequence of events earlier that week began with the police pursuit of Ryan Hinton after reports of a stolen vehicle. Police reported that during the chase, an officer alleged the teen pointed a firearm at him. Body camera footage from the incident has been released, depicting a tense situation where one officer shouted about the teenager possessing a gun before gunfire erupted.
However, the visual evidence does not clearly show Ryan Hinton pointing the weapon, with the police chief noting the footage was hindered by motion as both individuals were running. The officer involved in the shooting described Ryan Hinton’s position as threatening, indicating he felt his life was in jeopardy.
The investigation into the deputy’s death remains open as the community grapples with the aftermath of both tragedies.