Off-duty officer kills Toledo man during attempted robbery - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Off-duty officer kills Toledo man during robbery attempt

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TOLEDO, Ohio -

It's an all too familiar scene in Toledo.  Flashing red lights and crime scene tape.  The victim in this case is a Walbridge police officer who lives in Toledo.

Police say Saturday morning officer Matthew Moreland and his friend were walking to the friends house when they were held up a gunpoint by a masked man. The suspect demanded money.  TPD says the officer felt threatened, pulled out his personal handgun and shot 21-year- old Travis Johnson.

"He has some concerns and feeling of trauma that go along with this situation," said Chief Kenneth Frost

According investigators a Toledo police officer was driving down Upton taking an arrest suspect to jail when he heard gunshots.  He turned his car around and found officer Moreland and his friend administering first aid to the suspect.  People who live in the neighborhood reacted to the violence.

"If I was in that position and I had a firearm I'd probably shoot him too," said Toledoan Robert Paquin.

"That would be normal instinct after you shoot somebody you would feel some type of compassion I would assume, " said Toledoan Mark Gillhouse.

The coroner says Johnson was shot 6 times.  According to court papers from Wood County in April Johnson was indicted for aggravated robbery. He allegedly robbed two people and told them to hand over a money bag.

Officer Moreland was questioned by a Toledo detective for hours

"Officer Moreland called me later that morning. He said he was on his way home from the safety building and expressed deep concern that this event had taken place and basically needed someone to talk to at that point which I did"

Moreland is on paid administrative leave until the case is wrapped up which is a normal procedure when an officer is involved in a shooting.

At this point investigators say no charges will be filed against the Walbridge officer because it appears he shot in self defense.

Once TPD completes its investigation they'll most likely present the case to the grand jury to see if the officer was justified in shooting the suspect.  They will also send the information to the Walbridge police chief.  The chief says his department will also conduct an investigation.

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