Rocky River police officer wounded in range shooting

A shooting range accident April 24 at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School injured a Rocky River police sergeant, according to JVS Communications Director Betty Halliburton.

About 11:15 a.m., first responders were dispatched to the campus, located at 15181 State Route 58 in Oberlin, in reference to a 48-yearold man who was shot.

An official media release from the Rocky River Police Department indicated the incident took place between 11 and 11:45 a.m., and involved a 25-year veteran to the department.

Capt. Rick Thomas with the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office said the incident involved a .223-caliber rifle, which discharged a bullet that went through the back of the sergeant’s left leg, exited through the front of his leg and entered his left foot.

Eight officers with the Rocky River Police Department, including a range officer, were utilizing the facility at the time, Thomas said.

The media release said the victim was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for treatment.

The condition of the officer, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, is unknown. But the media release indicated the sergeant was conscious upon arrival at the hospital.

Halliburton said no students or staff members from the JVS were involved in the incident.

“The range is only used for law enforcement training activities,” she said, noting it has been that way for the last three years. “No individuals or other groups are permitted to use the facility.”

Halliburton said the former law enforcement program offered at the JVS was expanded to be more encompassing and is now referred to as the Public Safety program where students learn about topics such as emergency medical services and fire fighting.

Thomas confirmed his agency is investigating the situation. Deputy Anthony Pluta, who is assigned to the JVS, took the initial report and likely will follow-up, Thomas said.

The Rocky River Police Department also is investigating, the release said.

JVS Principal Jill Petitti said the situation in no way disrupted the school day or presented a danger to staff or students.