BLUFFTON, Ohio — A northwest Ohio police officer was killed early Thursday morning while attempting to stop a vehicle fleeing police on Interstate 75.
Officer Dominic Francis, 42, was attempting to place stop strips on the interstate when he was struck and killed by the suspect vehicle shortly before 3 a.m., Sergeant Brice Nihiser with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said during a news conference Thursday morning.
Troopers first noticed the suspects driving a black Infiniti sedan at what officials said was a high rate of speed around 2 a.m. on US-23. Roughly 20 minutes later, another trooper noticed the suspects driving on State Route 15 in Hancock County. From there, the suspects reportedly started heading south on I-75.
Law enforcement with the Bluffton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office pursued the suspects in a chase that reportedly reached up to 120 miles per hour.
After striking Officer Francis, the suspects reportedly exited the car they had been driving and continued running before stealing another vehicle in the area, police said.
One suspect was found nearby while a second one was arrested in the stolen car in Elyria, about 100 miles northeast of Bluffton. The third suspect was arrested before 1 p.m., officials said.
"Today is a sad day. This community lost a hero," said Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder.
In addition to serving his community as an officer, Francis also worked as a teacher, bus driver and coach, Burkholder said.
"He had a heart of gold and he will be sorely missed," said Burkholder.
Francis served with the Bluffton Police Department for nine years.
In an update Friday, Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the three suspects as 20-year-old Emin Johnson, 21-year-old Zachary Love and 19-year-old Dante Tate. Johnson and Love are currently both being held at the Hancock County Justice Center, while Tate is held at the Medina County Jail.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a statement Thursday in response to Francis' death, saying:
“A hero has died and a community is shaken. The bravery of the men and women that wear the badge is astounding. Officer Francis’ valor will live on and never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences are with Officer Francis’ loved ones and the residents of Bluffton.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a statement, saying:
"Fran and I are sad to learn of the death of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis, who tragically died today after being hit by a fleeing driver. We are grateful to him for his selfless service to Ohio, and our hearts go out to his family and his colleagues at the Bluffton PD."
DeWine ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds in Allen and Hancock counties, the Ohio Statehouse, Riffe Center and Rhodes Tower.
You can watch updates in the player below: