CINCINNATI, OH – In a dramatic turn of events, an Ohio father is facing serious charges after allegedly using his vehicle as a weapon against a sheriff’s deputy, resulting in the deputy’s death. This incident follows closely on the heels of an officer-involved shooting that claimed the life of the man’s 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton.
The suspect, identified as Rodney Hinton Jr., appeared in court today, where he was charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors assert that the attack on the deputy was deliberate and planned, adding a chilling layer to an already tragic sequence of events.
The chain of events began on Thursday when Cincinnati police responded to a report of a stolen Kia at an apartment complex. Four suspects, including Ryan Hinton, attempted to flee the scene. Body camera footage reportedly shows Hinton falling as he ran, with officers claiming to have heard the sound of a gun. Officers shouted warnings about a firearm as Hinton emerged from behind a dumpster, prompting one officer to discharge his weapon multiple times.
Authorities state that the officer believed Hinton was aiming a gun at him, leading to the fatal shooting. Despite efforts to provide medical assistance, Hinton succumbed to his injuries, having been struck twice. A firearm was allegedly recovered from the scene, believed to have been in Hinton’s possession.
The following day, just hours after the Hinton family viewed the body camera footage, tragedy struck again. A vehicle plowed into a Hamilton County deputy who was directing traffic at a commencement ceremony, resulting in the deputy’s death. The driver was identified as Rodney Hinton Jr., Ryan’s father.
In court, Hinton Jr. faced a room filled with law enforcement officers, a poignant reminder of the gravity of the charges against him. His attorney described the deputy’s death as a “horrific tragedy,” emphasizing the deep loss felt by the community.
The Hamilton County Sheriff expressed profound sadness over the loss of the deputy, highlighting the impact on the department and the community at large. Hinton Jr. is currently being held without bail, with a bond hearing set for Tuesday.
The sequence of events has left the community grappling with grief and questions, as the legal process begins to unfold and more details emerge.