Ohio Officer Killed; Suspect in Custody

A suspect is in custody following the fatal shooting of a Danville Police Officer late Sunday night. 

Police say they received a call just before midnight Sunday from a woman saying police officers in Danville were in danger, and that her ex-boyfriend had weapons and was looking to kill an officer. 

Dispatchers tried to make contact with the Danville officer, but were unsuccessful.  That prompted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to search the village. 

Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer says Officer Thomas Cottrell was found dead on the ground behind the Danville Municipal Building. His gun and squad car were stolen. 

Authorities arrested a 32-year-old suspect around 1:30 Monday morning. 

Court records show the suspect has a lengthy criminal record including convictions of breaking and entering, burglary, receiving stolen property and a carrying a concealed weapon.  

The man served nearly four years behind bars on convictions of receiving stolen property and possession of chemicals for manufacture of drugs.  He was released last April.