Deputies investigating alleged shooting

VW County Sheriff’s Office information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said today that his department was investigating a reported shooting incident that took place Thursday evening on Lincoln Highway.

Sheriff Riggenbach said his office received a 9-1-1 call at 11:20 p.m. Thursday from a person who was near the intersection of Lincoln Highway and U.S. 30. The caller noted during the call that he was being confronted by a group of people and deputies arriving at the scene of the call found a man who had been injured in an altercation.

The victim said a group of men who confronted him had fled the scene on four-wheel, rall-terrain vehicles (ATVs), while deputies call Middle Point Fire & EMS to transport the victim to Van Wert County Hospital. He was later transferred to another hospital, where he was given further treatment and released.

During the initial investigation, deputies determined that one or more people in the group confronting the victim fired a weapon. Deputies are looking at all possible reasons for the incident, including robbery, and continue to obtain additional information as part of their investigation.

Investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) were also on hand to process the crime scene. The investigation is continuing, Sheriff Riggenbach said.

To help in its investigation, the sheriff’s office is asking that anyone who may have seen or heard ATVs or who noted other suspicious activity in the area of the incident call the sheriff’s office at 419.238.3866. However, phone lines have been down this morning at the sheriff’s office, so callers should be patient if they don’t get through right away.

Information can also be submitted using the sheriff’s office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and clicking on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link. Those with information can also call Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.