In a standoff and hostage situation in Vandalia, Ohio, a man and a woman were shot dead by Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers on Wednesday morning, August 2.

The incident began around 1 a.m. when London, Ohio police attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop on the suspects’ vehicle. Instead of complying, the couple fled, leading the police on a chase. They sought refuge at a truck stop outside of London, abandoned their vehicle, and tried to escape on foot. However, the situation escalated when the male suspect aimed a firearm at an officer who had attempted to use a taser.

The suspects then forcibly carjacked a semi-truck, with the driver being held hostage inside. During the multi-county, 50 mile pursuit, the truck collided with a police car.

The chase ended near Dayton International Airport, just before 3:30 a.m. Negotiations started with the suspects, and OSHP’s Special Response Team (SRT) was called to the scene.

Roughly four hours later, around 7:30 a.m., the SRT approached the semi to secure the hostage’s release. The suspects opened fire on the team, and troopers returned fire, resulting in the death of both suspects.

Fortunately, the hostage was successfully rescued from the semi and sustained only minor injuries.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations has been called upon to review the incident to ensure transparency and accountability in the troopers’ actions.