A Cincinnati sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck by a car in what authorities are calling a premeditated attack by the father of an 18-year-old who had been shot and killed by police just a day earlier.
The suspect, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., allegedly rammed his car into the deputy on Friday afternoon near the University of Cincinnati, where the officer was directing traffic for a commencement event.
Prosecutor Ryan Nelson said Hinton “deliberately accelerated” toward the deputy in a calculated act. Hinton has been charged and is being held without bond on suspicion of aggravated murder.
The deputy, whose name has not been released under Ohio crime victims’ privacy laws, had recently retired but continued to serve as a special deputy. He was transported to the hospital but died of his injuries.
Hinton’s son, Ryan Hinton, was killed by police on Thursday while fleeing from a stolen vehicle.
Bodycam footage shows the 18-year-old holding a gun and emerging from between two dumpsters before being fatally shot.
Police say the teen appeared to point the weapon, prompting an officer to fire. The gun was recovered, but it had not been discharged.
The elder Hinton was reportedly distraught after viewing the footage hours before the alleged incident. Family attorney Michael Wright described Ryan as a “loving kid” and said the family is heartbroken over both deaths.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey called for calm as investigations continue.
“Let the processes play out,” Theetge urged. “This is a tremendous loss for all.”
The Cincinnati Police Department is leading the investigation into the deputy’s death. Both families have expressed sorrow over the tragic turn of events.
