Michael Decker

HOPEDALE — Authorities in Harrison County spent Monday afternoon searching for a man who allegedly fired at a sheriff’s deputy on U.S. Route 250 before leading police on a high-speed chase to the Hopedale area, where he ditched his car and fled on foot, firing multiple shots at officers.

The search came to an end Monday evening when law enforcement tracked down the suspect, identified as Michael Decker, 53. According to reports from WTRF and WTOV, officers closed in on Decker and he was shot. No further details about his condition or the circumstances of the shooting have been confirmed.

So far, there has been no indication why the initial pursuit began.

Harrison County Sheriff Mark Touville described Decker as “armed and dangerous” with a violent history. He was identified as 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, with hazel eyes and bald, though a photo released by authorities showed him with a beard.

Lt. Brice A. Nihiser of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said troopers responded to an officer-involved shooting on U.S. Route 250 near Eslick Road shortly after 11:35 a.m. Monday. When troopers located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, prompting a pursuit.

Authorities deployed tire deflation devices before the suspect exited the vehicle near Old Hopedale Road, where he allegedly fired multiple shots at troopers and ran into nearby woods.

The suspect was later located in the Hopedale area after an extensive search involving multiple agencies.

U.S. Route 22 had been shut down in both directions during the search, and residents were urged to avoid the area as authorities worked to locate the suspect.