WARREN COUNTY — A man accused of shooting at a Warren County Sheriff’s Office Deputy in February entered guilty pleas on Thursday, according to Warren County Prosecutor David P. Fornshell.
Lance Runion, 57, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder and felonious assault charges that stemmed from a Feb. 15 incident.
>> 2021 Air Force Marathon cancelled due to COVID precautions; Race shifts to virtual format
On Feb. 15, deputies were dispatched to Runion’s residence on the 7800 block of Hunt Club Drive in Deerfield Township after Runion’s brother called 911.
Upon arrival, deputies attempted to check on Runion’s safety by knocking on his front door multiple times. According to a press release, when Deputy Sara Vaught arrived on Runion’s front porch, Runion opened “his front door and immediately opened fire” at Deputy Vaught. Deputy Vaught was not struck and returned fire, striking Runion.
>> Woman falls from cliff after leaving Springfield Regional Medical Center
In March, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office released footage from the incident that was captured by a Ring doorbell camera. In a release, Fornshell said the video demonstrated “just how quickly, and without any warning, that a situation can become deadly for the women and men who wear the uniform.”
Runion faces a maximum sentence of 18 to 23 1/2 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
©2021 Cox Media Group
