Sheriff: Officer’s Return Fire, Striking Suspect
(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)
On March 15th, 2026, at approximately 4:09 p.m. (1609 hours), officers with the Bellevue Police Department initiated a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Monroe Street in Bellevue, Ohio.
During the stop, the driver fled the scene in his vehicle, leading officers on a pursuit that traveled through the city of Bellevue, Huron County, into Sandusky County, and ultimately ended in the 14000 block of County Road 32 in Seneca County.
Upon stopping his vehicle, the suspect exited armed with a handgun and fired multiple rounds at officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect then dropped the handgun and produced a knife while continuing to confront officers. Officers deployed a Taser and were able to safely take the suspect into custody.
Officers immediately rendered first aid to the suspect until emergency medical services arrived on scene. The suspect was transported from the scene by medical helicopter and, as of today, was reported to be in critical condition.
No officers were injured during the incident.
One Bellevue Police Department cruiser sustained multiple damage from the suspect’s gunfire.
The suspect has been identified as Johnathon E. Howard of Bellevue, Ohio.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) responded to process the scene and is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in these types of incidents.
The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office along with the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the criminal investigation involving the suspect since the crime occurred inside of Seneca County.
Thanks to North Central EMS, Bellevue Fire, ProMedica Air Ambulance, and OSP for their assistance.
This remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.