Toledo, Ohio: A Toledo police officer was shot and killed January 18, 2021 while on the scene of a barricaded gunman.
Just before 4:00 PM on January 18th, officers on the Toledo Police Gang Task Force spotted the suspect wanted for the arson and vandalism of Rosary Cathedral earlier in the day. When officers attempted to stop the suspect, he produced a handgun and fled into his house in the 2200 block of Fulton.
A perimeter was established around the house and Toledo Police Critical Incident Negotiators were called to the scene. The suspect did not participate in the more than two hours of de-escalation through negotiation. After the suspect refused to engage in the negotiation, the Toledo Police SWAT team deployed chemical agents into the house in an attempt to have the suspect exit the home and peacefully surrender. Officer Stalker was stationed on the perimeter of the scene to keep residents out of the scene and line of fire.
At approximately 6:22 PM, the suspect emerged from the house with a firearm in both hands and fired shots in multiple directions, one of which struck Officer Stalker in the head. Officer Stalker was placed into a Toledo police vehicle and transported to Mercy St. Vincent’s Hospital. The staff at Mercy St. Vincent’s Hospital worked tirelessly to save Officer Stalker, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
“The entire Toledo Police family is in shock. Another hero has paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the residents of Toledo. Our hearts are heavy tonight,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral.
The suspect, 27 year-old Christopher Harris, was shot by Toledo police on scene. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. While the investigation is still ongoing and more information may be gathered as interviews are conducted, it has been confirmed that multiple officers fired their weapons at Harris. All officers will be placed on paid administrative leave per collective bargaining agreements.
Officer Stalker was 24 years-old and joined the Toledo Police Department in July 2018. He was classmates with Officer Anthony Dia, killed in the line of duty on July 4, 2020. Officer Stalker is the 32nd Toledo police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Additional information to include funeral arrangements will be made available as soon as possible. Chief Kral will hold a news conference on Wednesday, January 20, time TBD
