Police: officer fired shot after suspect drew weapon

The Marion Police Department said Monday that one of its detectives fired his weapon at a fleeing suspect after the man drew a gun and pointed it at pursuing officers.

On March 16, 2015 shortly after 2:00pm, detectives from the MARMET Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation as part of an investigation. A subject, Darren Daniels II, fled from the vehicle and while two detectives attempted to tackle him, he got free and continued to run.

As he continued to run, the officers said he grabbed a gun from his waistband and pointed it back toward a third detective that was giving chase. This detective, Andrew Isom, fired one shot at the suspect, but Daniels was not struck.

Officials said that Daniels identity was known to the detectives and a large search began in order to re-locate him.

At approximately 4:17pm, Marion County Sheriff Deputies and a Marion Police Department Special Response team member said they located Daniels running north in the alley between Main and State Streets near Hazen Street. Officers ordered the suspect at gunpoint to stop and put his hands up, but said that Daniels looked towards the officers and continued north in the alley and slowed to a walk. The officers said Daniels then threw crack cocaine to the ground and put his hands in the air. Daniels was then tackled to the ground and handcuffed without further incident.

Daniels was arrested for weapons and drug charges and transported to the Multi-County Correctional Center pending formal charges from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, officials said the handgun used by Daniels was found near the scene of the incident.

The officer who fired his weapon, Detective Isom, is assigned to the MARMET Drug Task Force and has been a police officer for over 18 years with the Marion Police Department.

The Marion Police Department issued thanks to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol and all of the citizens who provided assistance and information that “led to a peaceful resolution to this crime.”