CINCINNATI, OH - A Cincinnati police officer shot and killed a person that matched the description of a knife-wielding robbery suspect downtown Sunday morning.
The Vine Street Kroger was robbed at 7:20 a.m. The potential suspect was confronted by police at Fifth Street and Main Streets bus stops at Government Square at 7:41 a.m.
Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said a struggle ensued between one officer and the suspect. The officer came out uninjured and is currently being interviewed by authorities, which is standard operating procedure after use-of-force. Isaac said a knife was found on the scene.
"We believe there is a weapon involved. We believe there is a knife involved we recovered a knife here at the scene," Isaac said.
Hamilton County Coroner Lakshmi Sammarco described the suspect as an African American male who appeared to be in his 20's. He had no identification on him.
Sammarco also said the wounds appear to be from one weapon and that the suspect was mostly shot in his torso.
"When we get him back in the office, we'll be able to a thorough examination and see if he's been shot anywhere else," Sammarco said.
It is unclear how many shots were fired. The investigation is in preliminary stages according to Isaac. The deceased suspect has not been identified yet.
During a climate where officer involved shootings have been highly scrutinized, some community leaders say having all of the facts first is important.
"What we have to do is tell people don't rush to judgment, wait until all the facts are in. Cincinnati is a model for the country," Peterson Mingo said.
Body cameras were originally planned to make their debut in the Cincinnati police ranks Aug. 1, but was delayed. Isaac says they are going through security footage of the surrounding area.
Cincinnati Streetcar's testing downtown will be delayed. However, testing in Over-the-Rhine is uninterrupted.
The officer involved is on administrative leave while the investigation unfolds.
The next step is for the Hamilton County prosecutor to look over the case and decide if charges are necessary.
Isaac said a press conference will be held within the next day.