CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WXIX) – A veteran deputy sheriff in Ohio was killed in the line of duty over the weekend, according to Clark County Sheriff Deborah K. Burchett.
It happened Sunday morning after the deputy, who worked for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of a person shot inside a mobile home in Harmony Township, she said.
The sheriff identified the deputy as Matthew Yates, a 15-year member of the department.
Harmony Township is about 40 miles northeast of Dayton, about halfway to Columbus.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident.
The sheriff provided more details in a prepared statement late Sunday:
“At 10:51 AM this morning, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting that an unknown female broke into the residence at 1132 Ashwood Dr in Harmony Estates Mobile Home Park and fired 5 to 6 shots
“When Deputies arrived on scene to investigate they attempted to check the interior of the residence, at which time they were met with gunfire. Clark County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Yates was struck by the gunfire and went down inside the residence. Clark County Special Operations and several surrounding tactical teams were called in and facilitated a rescue of the downed Deputy.
“Deputy Yates was flown by Careflight to Miami Valley hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy Yates was a 15-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and was a valued member of the Special Operations Team.
“At this time there is no threat to the public. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been called in to investigate this incident and, due to this being an ongoing investigation, we will not be taking questions at this time. Please keep the Yates family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Multiple law enforcement agencies and elected officials expressed their sympathies on social media.
“His family, loved ones, and colleagues are in our thoughts and prayers,” the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said in a tweet.
Congressman Warren Davidson, who represents a district between Cincinnati and Dayton that includes all of Butler County and half of Hamilton County, tweeted out his condolences to Deputy Yates’ friends and family.
“My condolences and deepest sympathies for the friends and family of Clark County Deputy Matthew Yates, 15-year veteran of the force, who was killed by gunfire today. Thank you to all our law enforcement who risk everything to keep our communities safe.”
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley wrote: “My heart goes out to the loved ones of Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Yates who was killed tonight in the line of duty.”
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