NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — A Barberton police officer was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds early Friday morning after a standoff situation in New Franklin.
The officer has been identified as 36-year-old Brandon Watson, a 12-year member of the Barberton Police Department, Army veteran, and husband and father of four. He was apparently shot in both legs but the injuries are not considered life-threatening. He underwent surgery at Summa Akron City Hospital and is currently in stable condition.
The suspect in the situation, however, is dead. The Summit County Medical Examiner has identified him as 48-year-old Charles Cook.
Here is video from the scene:
Authorities tell WKYC it started around 7:45 p.m. Thursday when officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 5400 block of Menlo Court.
Upon their arrival, officers noticed signs of physical abuse to a woman. Cook, the man suspected in the abuse, fled upstairs and barricaded himself inside.
SWAT was dispatched around 10 p.m. and tried using tear gas before firing bean bag rounds.
Around 3 a.m., the officer was shot by a round that Cook fired through the door. Other SWAT members returned fire and killed Cook at the scene.
Authorities say a large caliber gun was found at the scene.
A neighbor told WKYC it's "scary" to have something like this happen next door because it's typically a "quiet" area.
Barberton police issued the following statement:
"The Barberton Police Department and the family would like to thank everyone in the community and surrounding area for their calls and messages of love and support. In addition, we'd like to thank the tactical medics on the SWAT Team, the New Franklin Fire Department and all medical personnel at Akron City Hospital for their quick and responsive care and treatment of our brother officer."
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NOTE: Authorities had previously reported the officer who was shot worked for the Norton Police Department. We have since received corrected information that says he's a Barberton officer.