West Chester, OH — A tragic training accident at a corrections academy has led to a significant legal development this month, with Special Operations Officer David Pearson, 45, from West Chester, Ohio, charged in connection with the death of Officer Rodney Osborne. The shooting occurred during a training exercise on April 9, 2024, at the Orient Training Shooting Range.
Pearson, who has been indicted on one count of negligent homicide, was placed on administrative leave on April 10, following the incident. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction released this information soon after the shooting, marking a somber turn in the ongoing investigation.
Officer Rodney Osborne, a respected figure in the law enforcement community, was accidentally shot in the chest during the exercise, leading to his untimely death. Osborne, who had recently been named Correction Officer of the Year, had served with distinction for 13 years and was an integral member of the Special Response Team (SRT) unit.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP) held a press conference shortly after the incident to provide further details. They confirmed that the shooting was accidental, emphasizing that it occurred during a routine training exercise. The firearm involved was identified as a Glock 34 handgun.
The OSP has expressed profound regret over the incident and reassured the public that a thorough investigation is in progress. Arraignment is expected to start on August 7, 2024.
The charges against Officer Pearson underscore the gravity of the situation and reflect the ongoing commitment to accountability within law enforcement training procedures. The case continues to develop as the investigation seeks to address the tragic loss of a dedicated officer.
