(Ashland) – Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Richard Kluever has been selected as the 2024 Trooper of the Year at the Ashland Post.
The selection of Trooper Richard Kluever, age 36, is in recognition of outstanding service during the 2024 calendar year at the Ashland Post. Fellow officers stationed at the Ashland Post, elected Trooper Kluever based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.
Trooper Kluever joined the Highway Patrol in 2012 and was a member of the 152nd Academy Class and earned his commission in 2012. Trooper Kluever began his career at the Bucyrus Post before transferring to the Ashland Post in 2015.
Trooper Kluever is originally from Lagrange, and was a graduate of Keystone High School in 2007. Trooper Kluever earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Youngstown State University, prior to joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Trooper Kluever was selected as the Ashland Post Trooper of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He has also received awards for safe driving and physical fitness. Trooper Kluever has earned Criminal Patrol Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023 which is given annually to troopers who excel in felony enforcement. Trooper Kluever earned the state CPM award in 2023 for the most misdemeanor drug arrests of any trooper in the state. He continues to maintain high standards on a daily basis.
Trooper Kluever and his wife, Kristin, live in Spencer with their children: 3 year old Carson and 1 year old Canyon.
The Ashland Post is proud to present Trooper Richard Kluever as their Post Trooper of the year and he is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year Award.
Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle and Pick-Up Truck
Sugar Creek Township – On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at approximately 2:38 PM, the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was advised of a two-vehicle injury crash involving a pick-up truck and a commercial semi-truck on US-30 at the intersection with Kohler Road in Wayne County.
A 2024 International semi-truck, operated by 34-year-old Issai Capetillo of Pleasantville, New Jersey, was traveling east on US-30. Mr. Capetillo had stopped to make a left turn onto Kohler Road when he was struck in the rear by a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup operated by 45-year-old Robert Burr of Massillon, Ohio.
Mr. Burr was extricated by mechanical means and taken by Life-Flight to Akron General Hospital with serious injuries. Adam Sartin, age 41, of Orrville, Ohio, was the right front passenger in the pickup truck and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Mr. Capetillo was uninjured in the crash.
US 30 was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash scene was being investigated. Neither the driver nor passenger of the Toyota pick-up were wearing safety belts. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by the Dalton Police Department, Kidron Fire Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Rigz Towing.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
On November 11, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Brunswick Division of Police located an Amber Alert subject in their city. The Amber Alert indicated the non-custodial subject of interest had his 7-year-old daughter with him.
The Brunswick Division of Police initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, which failed to stop. Multiple jurisdictions pursued the vehicle southbound on Interstate 71 towards Medina. During the pursuit, stop sticks were deployed causing the vehicle to be disabled. The vehicle continued southbound and exited on SR 18, in Medina Township.
The vehicle came to a stop in a business parking lot where law enforcement attempted to negotiate with the armed suspect. The suspect, Charles Ryan Alexander, communicated with several dispatch centers by telephone. Multiple guns shots were fired in an officer-involved shooting. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene by the Medina County Coroner, Dr. Deranek
The 7-year-old daughter was safely recovered from the scene and returned to family members without injury.
No officers were physically injured during the incident. Agencies on scene included the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Medina Township Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Brunswick Division of Police, Montville Police Department, US Marshals, Medina Fire Department and Cleveland Clinic Life Support Team.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. Information concerning the investigation should be directed to Captain Eric Bors at Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 3:34 pm on November 8, 2024, Officers responded to 300 Wood St. Apt. 14, after receiving a report of a Domestic Violence incident. Upon arrival, neighbors advised Officers that they heard gunshots coming from the apartment prompting Officers to immediately enter the residence.
Upon entry Officers found one male and one female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until Mansfield Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported both victims to Ohio Health, where the female victim was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The Mansfield Division of Police was notified several hours later that the male victim also succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, it was found that both victims appeared to have sustained gunshot wound(s) however, detectives do not believe there to be any additional persons involved in the shooting at this time. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending both victims for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting and this tragic event.
Additional details will be released once they are available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Korey Kaufman at (419) 755-9748.
Ashland University College Republicans to host Veteran’s Day Ceremony with the Veteran’s Center, Kappa Sigma Fraternity and College Democrats
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University College Republicans with the College Democrats, Kappa Sigma fraternity and the AU Veteran’s Center will host its 1st Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Nov. 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.
It will feature a performance of the national anthem by the Ashbrook choir and a keynote speaker. After the ceremony, Kappa Sigma invites attendees to a reception at its fraternity house for light refreshments.
The fraternity will have donations bins available for the Heroes’ Fund, Kappa Sigma’s national fund for veterans.
“It is important to show support for veterans on campus,” said Maddie Pugh, political director of College Republicans, “We are thrilled to team up with a variety of campus organizations to put on a spectacular event in honor of our American heroes for their service.”
All are invited to attend the event to honor the veterans of the Ashland community who dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation.
The New London Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that occurred at Windy Acres assisted living complex located at 96 Clifton St. within the village of New London on the morning of 11/08/2024.
As a result of the shooting, two employees of the facility were injured by the gunman who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. We are happy to say that both victims have since been released from the hospital and are resting at home. We wish to praise them for their actions during that stressful situation.
Victim’s Identities:
Windy Acres office manager, Lora Gahagan (52), of New London sustained an upper torso injury, while Windy Acres maintenance employee, Kenneth Hawk (56) of Lorain County, sustained a head injury.
Gunman’s Identity:
Roger Murray (70), of New London.
As the investigation continues to evolve, our team is working to gather additional details. At this time, evidence and information collected over the course of the investigation has established what appears to be a preliminary motive for the shooting.
Motive:
Murray, a resident of the complex had filed multiple repair requests for his apartment and felt his requests were not being adequately met. He was further distraught over the matter due to a pending site inspection.
The community is urged to stay informed through local media outlets and the New London Police Department Facebook page.
Assisting Agencies: Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Firelands Ambulance Service, Savannah Fire, Huron County Coroner’s Office, Huron County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio BCI
The New London Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred at the Windy Acres assisted living complex located at 96 Clifton St. within the village of New London. At approximately 10:52 AM Huron County dispatch advised of an active shooter inside the complex. A New London officer immediately responded to the scene with prompt assistance from two Huron County deputies who were also in town.
Upon arrival, officers quickly converged on the building’s entrance where they located two injured victims locked in the main office. Those victims were able to exit to safety through a window to awaiting EMS personnel. They were transported to separate area hospitals. Their exact condition is unknown at this time, but the injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Officers entered the building where a deceased male was located in the lobby. Additional authorities from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and the New London Police Department arrived soon thereafter and a thorough check of the building was conducted with no additional victims or suspects being located.
Once the scene was declared safe, investigators from Ohio BCI were contacted to further assist with forensic analysis and investigative support. The Huron County Sheriff’s Office also provided significant support in securing the scene and assisting with the investigation.
The deceased individual was identified as a resident of the complex who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At this time a motive is still being investigated. The names of the victims and the shooter are not being released at this time.
The New London Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The collaboration between all of our local authorities as well as state agencies is critical in ensuring a thorough and accurate investigation.
At this time, law enforcement is working to gather all necessary information. Investigators are reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and following up on leads. We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the New London Police Department at (419) 929-3504 or the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 663-2828. You may remain anonymous.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
At approximately 3:34 pm on November 8, 2024, Officers responded to 300 Wood St. Apt. 14, after receiving a report of a Domestic Violence incident. Upon arrival, neighbors advised Officers that they heard gunshots coming from the apartment prompting Officers to immediately enter the residence.
Upon entry Officers found one male and one female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until Mansfield Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported both victims to Ohio Health, where the female victim was pronounced deceased a short time later. The male victim is still being treated at Ohio Health in critical condition.
During the investigation, it was found that both victims appeared to have sustained gunshot wound(s) however, detectives do not believe there to be any additional persons involved in the shooting at this time. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the victim for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting and this tragic event. Additional details will be released once they are available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Kory Kaufman at (419) 755-9748
Shooting at New London Senior Living Facility Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured
NEW LONDON, Ohio – A tragic shooting unfolded late Friday morning at Windy Acres, a senior living retirement facility in New London, Ohio, leaving three people shot and one person dead.
According to the New London Police Department, the incident occurred just after 10:50 a.m. when a male resident of the facility allegedly opened fire on two employees. The two workers sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital; the severity of their injuries is currently unknown. The suspect was found dead, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Windy Acres, located on Clifton Street, is an affordable housing complex for individuals aged 62 and older. Following the shooting, some residents were evacuated from the premises, with family members arriving to take some residents home. As a precaution, the facility remains under lockdown, limiting access to residents and their immediate families only.
Beach 360 Management, which oversees Windy Acres, issued a statement expressing their shock and support for those affected by the incident. Celia Kendall, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed that some residents were safely relocated from the property in the hours following the incident.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is assisting local authorities in processing evidence and investigating the possible motives behind the shooting. Investigators have not yet determined a clear reason for why the suspect, a resident of the complex, initiated the attack.
Joe Lyons •
November 13, 2024
