By Ashley Silver
Police1
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Newly released surveillance video sheds light on the circumstances that led up to the ambush of an Ohio police officer.
10 TV News shared video that shows Nicholas Mitchell, 42, walking toward the Ross County Sheriff’s Office and approaching the back door. Mitchell paces back and forth before knocking on a window. Sgt. Eric Kocheran responded, opening the door roughly 20 seconds later.
The footage shows Mitchell telling the officer he needs help because somebody is threatening his family and they wanted him to hurt children. He then says he can’t do that, so he “has to do this” and pulls out a gun, 10 TV News reported.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=462187119361588
Kocheran yelled for Mitchell to put the gun down numerous times, but the man refused and fired a shot at the officer. The officer returned fire through the open door from inside the building until the suspect fell to the ground.
Kocheran, who was shot in the chest, was transported to a hospital in serious condition, according to 10 TV News. Kocheran wasn’t wearing a vest at the time since it was the end of his shift, ABC6 reported. The bullet hit his lung, bruised his heart and went through his liver, according to the report.
Mitchell was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries.
DOWNLOAD: Digital Edition: Officer Down! A Police1 Survival Guide