Ross County sheriff’s deputy shot, wounded outside at sheriff’s office; Ohio BCI investigating

CHILLICOTHE — The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now leading the investigation into tonight’s shooting of Ross County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Eric Kocheran and a suspect at the sheriff’s office on North Paint Street.

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Sgt. Kocheran is said to be in stable condition, according to BCI spokesman Steve Irwin. The condition of the other person shot is not known.

BCI’s investigation remains active and ongoing, Irwin said in a statement issued moments ago.

“I do not have any further information to share at this time,” he told News Center 7.

Ross County is approximately 87 miles east of Montgomery County.

INITIAL REPORT

A Ross County sheriff’s deputy and a suspect were shot Thursday night in front of the county sheriff’s office, county Sheriff George Lavender Jr. said in a social media post.

The deputy, identified as Sgt. Eric Kocheran, is reportedly in stable condition at Grant Medical Center in Columbus after he was shot sometime between 4:45 p.m. and 5 p.m., Sheriff Lavender said in the post.

Steve Irwin, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, told our news partner, WBNS (10tv.com) that a suspect was also shot and wounded. That person also has been taken to a hospital.

Irwin said the sheriff’s office reached out to BCI about 6 p.m. for an officer-involved shooting.

We will update this developing report as we learn more.

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