Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.