UPDATE 6:28 PM, DECEMBER 11: The Bluffton Police Department reports that all officers are okay following this incident and that all future reports will come from the Allen County Sheriff's office. The suspect being pursued is in custody.
UPDATE: Area closed for pursuit of suspect is Hillville Rd. to Lincoln Hwy./Old 30. County Line Rd. to Phillips.
Bluffton area residents reported to the Icon that an incident involving shooting at law enforcement officials occured late Friday, early on Saturday, December 11.
They reported that Bentley Rd. between Shifferly and Hillville was closed and that residents in the area were told to shelter in place while properties were searched.
At 9:20 a.m. the Allen County Sheriff's Office reported the following:
"On 12-10-2021 at approximately 11:37 pm a Bluffton, Ohio police officer attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of Jefferson St. And Huber St. in Bluffton, Ohio. The operator refused to stop and fled from the officer. The officer pursued the vehicle, which eventually left the village southbound on Bentley Rd.
"Shortly after exiting the village limits, an occupant, at this time believed to be the operator of the vehicle, began shooting at the pursuing officer. A short time later the suspect vehicle came to a stop on Bentley Rd. south of Hillville Rd.
"A male and a female exited the vehicle at which time the pursuing officer and the male suspect exchanged gunfire. The suspects fled east into a field and wooded area. The perimeter of the area was immediately contained by responding officers.
"A short time later the female suspect was apprehended and taken into custody for questioning.
"Multiple agencies and SWAT teams from the region arrived on scene to assist in the manhunt. The ability to search effectively has been limited by extreme overnight weather conditions and as of the time of this email the search is ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.
"Citizens are asked to remain out of the area."
