GROVE CITY, Ohio — Authorities have identified the man who was killed following a tense standoff with police Wednesday evening after a reported burglary inside a vacant home. The individual has been named as 32-year-old Dominique Byrdsong, whose confrontation with officers ended in an exchange of gunfire on Louise Court.
According to Grove City Police, the incident began when the property owner contacted authorities to report an intruder inside the home who appeared to be armed and refused to leave. Officers arrived around 5:30 p.m. and attempted to communicate with the suspect, leading to a standoff that lasted for nearly three hours. Negotiators repeatedly urged Byrdsong to surrender peacefully, but the situation remained volatile as officers tried to assess the threat.
Around 8:30 p.m., Byrdsong reportedly fled from the residence, prompting a brief foot chase. Police said preliminary findings suggest he discharged a firearm during the pursuit, striking one officer. Officers then returned fire, critically injuring Byrdsong. Despite life-saving measures by emergency personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released.
Investigators later discovered that a black utility truck parked near the home had been reported stolen in Pickaway County just a day earlier. A neighbor told WSYX News she noticed the same truck and a man matching Byrdsong’s description at the property the day before the incident, describing his behavior as suspicious. Detectives are now working to determine how the stolen vehicle may be connected to the confrontation.
The Grove City Police Department released three body camera videos on Thursday showing parts of the encounter. The footage captures officers attempting to de-escalate the situation and communicate with Byrdsong before the gunfire erupted. However, officials said that some cameras became dislodged or obstructed during the chase, resulting in incomplete visual coverage of the exchange. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken over the case, as is standard in officer-involved shootings.
Community members expressed sadness and concern over the incident, while city leaders praised the officers’ professionalism during the dangerous situation. Officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to transparency, officer training, and de-escalation practices. The investigation remains active, and findings will be released once the BCI completes its review.