FINDLAY, Ohio — A 90-year-old man was shot and killed by Findlay Police officers Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly pointed a firearm at them while they were responding to a report of a shooting on the city’s south side. Authorities identified the man as Robert Charles Norton.
According to a statement from the Findlay Police Department, officers were dispatched around 1:47 p.m. to a residence located at 1642 Cherry Lane following a 911 call reporting a possible shooting. Dispatchers attempted to gather additional details from the caller but were unable to make further contact. Upon arrival, officers approached the residence and made contact with an elderly man inside.
Police said that when Norton opened the door, he was holding a gun and allegedly pointed it at officers. In response, the officers fired several rounds, striking him multiple times. They immediately began providing first aid until emergency crews from Hanco EMS arrived. Norton was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. No officers were injured during the confrontation.
In keeping with department policy, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The BCI will review the evidence and submit its findings to the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Officials said the Findlay Police Department is cooperating fully with state investigators, and that body camera footage and additional details will be released once the investigation is complete.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there was evidence of a shooting prior to police arrival, which had prompted the initial 911 call. Investigators are continuing to search the home and interview witnesses to determine what led to the deadly exchange.
This fatal encounter marks one of several officer-involved shootings under review by the Ohio BCI this year. Findlay Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact their department or the state investigators assisting with the case. The tragedy has left the quiet Cherry Lane neighborhood shaken as residents grapple with the events that unfolded in their community.