Domestic Violence / Officer-involved Shooting

Joe Lyons • October 22, 2024

On October 19, 2024, at 1:56 am, officers responded to 200 Cline Ave for a reported domestic violence. Officers made contact with the female victim and Michael S. Oswalt II, who was in possession of a knife.

The male fled back inside the residence, which was occupied by the female victim’s two small children, ages 6 and 8. The female then was able to get back inside the residence from the rear door.

The officers immediately established communication with the Mr. Oswalt, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team arrived on the scene to begin negotiations.

During the three hours of negotiations, the suspect released the two children. A short time later the female victim was able to flee out the back door where SWAT operators Sgt. Shane Gess, Sgt. Michael Haines, Sgt. Joseph Gladden and Officer Paul Webb were positioned.

The male suspect was observed chasing the victim and was armed with a knife(s). Less lethal munitions were fired at the suspect with little to no effect. Operators were then forced to use lethal force to stop his actions.

SWAT paramedics were on scene and immediately began life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Richland County Prosecutors arrived on the scene.

BCI will be handling the investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.