Mansfield Police officer fatally shoots man who held girlfriend, children hostage for hours

MANSFIELD, Ohio (WOIO) - A Mansfield Police officer fatally shot a man while responding to a reported domestic violence incident early Saturday morning.

According to a release from Mansfield Police, officers arrived at 200 Cline Ave. around 1:56 a.m. and encountered a man at the door with a knife.

Police said the man fled back inside the home occupied by his girlfriend and two small children.

According to the release, officers said the man appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team later arrived on the scene.

During the three hours of negotiations, the man released the two children, according to police.

Police said a short time later the victim attempted to escape from the man which led to “a fatal encounter by officers.”

Ohio BCI and Richland County Prosecutors later arrived on the scene, according to a release.

Mansfield Police said BCI will be handling the investigation and details will be released as they become available.