Ashland Police Investigate Wagon Wheel Shooting; Suspect Charged with Felonious Assault
ASHLAND — The Ashland Police Division is investigating a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 25, 2025, in the parking lot of the Wagon Wheel, located at 255 Orange Road.
According to police, the incident happened around 1:28 a.m. when a confrontation escalated outside the establishment. Officers responded to the scene, where they took 25-year-old David Struckoff, of Nova, Ohio, into custody.
A male victim, identified in court records as Joe Hales, an Ashland resident, suffered a gunshot wound to the torso. He was transported by ambulance to OhioHealth Mansfield, where he underwent surgery. Authorities report that he is now recovering. A Glock 43X 9mm handgun was collected as evidence.
Today, Struckoff was formally charged with one count of Felonious Assault (Ohio Revised Code 2903.11), a second-degree felony. Prosecutors allege Struckoff knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Hales by means of a deadly weapon.
During a video arraignment held Friday, September 26, in Ashland County Common Pleas Court, Struckoff confirmed he had received a copy of the complaint and understood the charge. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf represented the state during the hearing.
Court documents state that the incident began as an altercation between Struckoff and three individuals inside the Wagon Wheel, where alcohol consumption was involved. After leaving the establishment, Struckoff allegedly encountered the group again in the parking lot. Following a second confrontation and threats exchanged, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf said Struckoff retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and fired, striking Hales.
Prosecutors requested a high cash bond, citing the seriousness of the offense and the injury to the victim. While Struckoff has no prior criminal history, the court set bond at $50,000 with several strict conditions, including:
No possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs, with mandatory testing.
No firearms or dangerous weapons.
No contact with the victim or other individuals involved.
GPS monitoring with 24/7 curfew at his approved residence if bond is posted.
Travel restricted to the state of Ohio.
Struckoff indicated he intends to hire private legal counsel but has not yet retained an attorney.
The court scheduled Struckoff’s next hearing for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The appearance will again be conducted by video unless bond is posted, in which case Struckoff must appear in person at the Ashland County Courthouse.
