Video of Two Wayne County Deputies being Stabbed Released
CONGRESS TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Two Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies are recovering after a critical incident Tuesday morning in Congress Township, where a suspicious-person call escalated into a stabbing and multi-agency law enforcement response.
According to a press release from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at approximately 9:42 a.m., when dispatchers began receiving multiple calls about a suspicious person in the area of South Maple Street in Congress Township, Wayne County, Ohio.
One caller told authorities he had a brief but concerning interaction with the person before contacting the Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses later reported the individual was walking eastbound on State Route 604 toward Congress Road.
Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies located a person matching the reported description in the 9000 block of Congress Road. According to the Sheriff’s Office, when deputies attempted to make contact, the individual failed to comply with orders, quickly brandished a knife, and stabbed two deputies before fleeing on foot out of sight.
Multiple law enforcement agencies from surrounding areas responded to the scene, established a perimeter, and assisted in the search for the suspect.
The Sheriff’s Office said investigators were able to determine the suspect’s location through investigative tactics. Properly trained tactical teams were then deployed, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Chad Alan Palmer. Palmer was transported to the Ashland County Jail pending completion of the investigation. According to the Sheriff’s Office, he faces multiple serious charges.
Both injured deputies required emergency medical treatment and were initially transported to Wooster Community Hospital. One deputy was later Life Flighted to Summa Health Systems, Akron City Hospital, for further treatment.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office reported that both deputies have since been released from the hospital and are now recovering.
The investigation remains ongoing.
