Authorities say the fatal police shooting of a 90-year-old man on Wednesday appears to be a case of suicide by cop, according to the Findlay Police Department.
Officials held a news conference Friday afternoon to share preliminary details and release body camera footage from the Oct. 22 shooting that killed Robert Norton, 90, of Findlay.
The footage shows what looks like a gun pointing out the front door as officers approached. Police later confirmed it was a BB gun that closely resembled a real handgun.
Dispatchers received a call around 1:45 p.m. on Oct. 22 reporting a shooting at a home on Cherry Lane in Findlay. Police believe Norton made the call himself.
When officers arrived, dispatchers tried to reach the 911 caller again but got no response. As officers approached the home, they saw the BB gun pointed from the doorway.
Two of the four responding officers fired their weapons, hitting Norton. First responders provided medical aid before taking him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“I have reached out to the family members of the deceased to extend my condolences on behalf of the department for their loss of a life, and they offered us great support in return for the officers affected by this critical incident,” said Findlay Police Chief James Mathias.
Chief Mathias said this was the department’s first confirmed case of suicide by cop and the second fatal police shooting the Findlay Police Department has handled.
He also shared that Norton’s wife had recently passed away.
Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn called the incident a tragedy and offered her condolences to the Norton family. She reminded residents that anyone struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts is not alone and encouraged them to seek help.
“Please know that you are not alone,” Muryn said. “In Findlay or Hancock County, please reach out—whether it’s the Family Resource Center, the hospital, or 9-8-8.”
The national suicide hotline is available 24/7 by calling 9-8-8.
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