Crime
Update on Darke County fatal shooting and crash incident, victim and suspect identified
Greenville, OH – March 2025 – Following further investigation and information released by Darke County Coroner Dr. Susan Brown, Sheriff Mark Whittaker has provided an updated account of the violent events that unfolded on Thursday, resulting in a double homicide and a high-speed chase ending in a fatal crash.
Authorities now confirm that Josiah “Joe” Maloon, 57, of 2535 State Route 571, Greenville, OH, brutally beat and fatally shot his wife, Juanita Maloon, 53, at their residence.
The Darke County Coroner’s Office has ruled Juanita Maloon’s cause of death as a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., Randy Ward II, 47, of Ansonia, OH, arrived at the Maloon residence at the request of Joe Maloon for a transaction.
Upon arrival, Ward followed Maloon’s instructions to retrieve cash from his vehicle.
It was at this moment that Joe Maloon emerged from his home and opened fire, discharging multiple rounds at Ward.
Ward attempted to escape by running to his vehicle, but was struck by gunfire multiple times. Despite his injuries, he managed to flee in his Dodge Challenger.
Joe Maloon pursued him in a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, continuing to fire shots while also ramming Ward’s vehicle in an attempt to force him off the road.
The high-speed pursuit ended when both vehicles crashed into opposite fields.
Maloon’s SUV overturned multiple times, ejecting him from the vehicle.
He was found unconscious and unresponsive at the scene and was later declared deceased due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Meanwhile, Ward, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was treated at the scene and airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital via CareFlight.
His current condition remains unknown.
Investigators recovered a handgun near Maloon at the crash scene, which is believed to be the weapon used in both the murder of Juanita Maloon and the attempted murder of Randy Ward.
Further forensic analysis will be conducted to confirm this finding.
Additionally, spent shell casings and a white powdery substance in packaging were discovered in the driveway of 2535 State Route 571, where the initial shooting occurred.
These items will be forensically examined to determine their nature and relevance to the case.
The Darke County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other law enforcement agencies responded to two separate but connected crime scenes:
9600 block of Coletown-Lightsville Road – Location of the vehicle pursuit and crash where Maloon was ejected and found deceased.
2500 block of State Route 571 – Maloon residence, where deputies discovered the body of Juanita Maloon.
A heavy police presence was reported at both locations, with at least a dozen police cruisers and emergency personnel on scene.
The initial 911 call was made around 2:30 p.m. by Randy Ward, who reported being chased and shot multiple times.
He informed dispatchers that his friend had opened fire on him at the residence and was actively pursuing him while continuing to shoot and ram his vehicle.
Sheriff Mark Whittaker stated that, based on the evidence and ongoing investigation, Joe Maloon was the primary threat and no additional suspects are being sought.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no further danger to the community.
The case remains under active investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Authorities have identified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot Monday afternoon while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga as Deputy Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department.
Deputy Nuñez was tragically killed after being struck in the head by gunfire during a confrontation with an armed suspect that led to a high-speed pursuit and crash along the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began at approximately 12:37 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga following reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nuñez.
Additional units immediately rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
Deputy Nuñez was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase traveled eastbound along the 210 Freeway, reaching high speeds through several communities.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, dozens of deputies, officers, and family members gathered in somber unity as news spread of Deputy Nuñez’s passing.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus was among those present, describing the event as a heartbreaking and devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Deputy Nuñez was a dedicated public servant who risked his life to protect others,” Sheriff Dicus said. “He exemplified courage, professionalism, and compassion — and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Andrew Nuñez had served honorably with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.
He is remembered as a devoted deputy, colleague, and friend who consistently demonstrated commitment to his duty and the residents he served.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI, is leading the investigation into the shooting and pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending formal charges.
The department announced that further updates, including funeral arrangements and memorial details, will be shared at a later time.
“Please keep Deputy Nuñez’s family, loved ones, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.