Ohio Shootout Claims Life of Child, Leaves Officer in Critical Condition

A tragic shootout in St. Clair Township, Ohio, just over the Pennsylvania border, claimed the life of a 4-year-old girl and critically injured a police officer on Wednesday afternoon.

The child, identified as Rosalie Martin, was at a dentist’s office when she was struck by a stray bullet during the gunfire. She was flown to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries hours later.

Detective Dakota Wetzel, who was shot in the head during the incident, remains hospitalized in critical condition. According to police, Wetzel has shown promising signs of recovery, including opening his eyes and giving a thumbs-up to his family.

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The incident began around 2 p.m. when officers responded to a call about a man experiencing a possible mental health crisis near Foulks Drive and St. Clair Avenue. Officers located the suspect, 30-year-old Joseph Como, walking down the street and attempted to speak with him. Como immediately opened fire on the officers, prompting them to return fire.

During the exchange, Wetzel was struck in the head and flown to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, where he underwent surgery and remains stable in the intensive care unit. Como was also shot during the gunfire and remains hospitalized.

Rosalie’s death has devastated the local community. “We’re trying to gather information as fast as we can so we can update the community,” St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie said in a statement on Facebook. “Right now, we need the community to pray for our officer and the child who were shot.”

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as authorities work to gather more details about the events leading to the tragic incident.

In St. Clair Township, OH tonight where the community came together to pray for 4 year old Rosalie Martin and Det. Dakota Wetzel. Rosalie was killed by a stray bullet and Wetzel was shot in the head but still in the hospital after a suspect opened fire on police yesterday. @WTAE pic.twitter.com/StJUWmXlKR

— Felicity Taylor (@felicityctaylor) January 24, 2025

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