Jeremy John Linhart, a 30-year-old man from Findlay, Ohio, died on June 9, 2015, following an officer-involved shooting. Linhart was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by police around 3 a.m. on West Sandusky Street. During the traffic stop, Linhart and the driver were removed from the vehicle, but Linhart attempted to re-enter the car. A struggle ensued, and during the altercation, a shot was fired, striking Linhart. He was later pronounced dead at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
The investigation revealed that the bullet which killed Linhart came from the officer's gun. Linhart was known to the police and had a history of legal troubles, including a recent arrest for possession of cocaine and a bench warrant for violating his parole. The officer involved in the shooting was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which was taken over by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation .
The incident sparked significant community concern, especially since it was the first officer-involved shooting in Findlay since 1999. The lack of in-car or body cameras meant there was no video evidence of the incident. The investigation continued with the BCI awaiting autopsy and toxicology results to determine further details.
Linhart's death left behind a 3-year-old daughter and a grieving family. The community and Linhart's family awaited answers as the investigation proceeded.
