Officer who shot armed suspect honored

Swearingen off-duty when he helped stop teen in Miami Twp.

A Miami Twp. police officer has been recognized by the Ohio attorney general for a distinguished service award for valor.

Officer James Swearingen was one of the recipients named last week for several 2018 Law Enforcement Achievement Awards, according to the attorney general’s office. He has been recognized for the Distinguished Law Enforcement Valor Award.

“I’m proud to take part in acknowledging the achievements of these law enforcement professionals, and I thank them and the rest of our law enforcement community throughout the state,” Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a statement.

The statement from DeWine’s office does not indicate reasons for the awards.

In February, Swearingen was off-duty when he wounded an armed robbery suspect Dayton authorities said fired on police as the teen sought flee the scene near the Ohio 725/Interstate 75 interchange in Miamisburg. The volatile scene drew law enforcement from several jurisdictions.

“Officer Swearingen took immediate action and attempted to stop the armed teen, which led to an exchange of gunfire,” according to Miamisburg police. “The armed robber was struck twice and was ultimately secured and taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.”

A grand jury cleared Swearingen of any charges.

Other award recipients, according to the attorney general’s office, include:

■ Distinguished Law Enforcement Valor Award: Sgt. David White (retired) and Patrolman Brian Duman, Uniontown Police Department;

■ Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Achievement Award: Short North Posse Investigation and Prosecution Team;

■ Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award: Lt. Col. Gilbert H. Jones (retired), Ohio Highway Patrol;

■ Mark Losey Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award: Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers, U.S. Attorney’s Office — Southern District of Ohio;

■ Distinguished Law Enforcement Training Award: Patrolman Kevin R. Davis, Akron Police Department;

■ Distinguished Law Enforcement Community Service Award: Trooper Juan “Ray” Santiago, Ohio State Highway Patrol;

■ Distinguished Civilian Leadership Award: The Rev. Richard D. Ellsworth, Ohio State Highway Patrol.