News
Pike Co. Deputy Cleared In Shooting Death
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
LATHAM – A Pike County grand jury has cleared a sheriff’s deputy in the February shooting death of a suspect.
The Chillicothe Gazette reports the case against Pike County Sheriff’s deputy Erik Zirneskie was presented to the grand jury for review on May 24 and they “declined to issue any charges” against the deputy.
Zirneskie attempted to make a traffic stop in the on Ohio 124. When the vehicle stopped, three people fled the vehicle, which led to a foot chase. According to Pike County Sheriff Charlie Reader, the deputy made contact with one of the people and a “physical altercation” resulted in an officer-involved shooting, resulting in the death of 35-year-old James Burks.
A shooting investigation was conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Officer Involved/Critical Incident Team, who concluded Zirneskie had “fired his weapon to protect himself from physical harm.”
After reviewing the case, County Prosecutor Rob Junk said he concurred with Franklin County’s findings.