May 13 (UPI) — A gunman who opened fire in a nursing home Friday killed a newly minted Ohio police chief and two nursing home employees, authorities said. The gunman was also found dead.
Police Chief Steven Eric Disario, 38, who had led the Kirkersville Police Department for about three weeks, was shot dead when he responded to a call at Pine Kirk Care Center in the tiny town of about 600 people.
Two nursing home workers, Cindy Krantz and Marlina Medrano, were found dead at the scene, Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said. The gunman, identified as Thomas Hartless, 43, was also found dead at the scene. Investigators said Medrano and Hartless had a relationship.
Thorp said Hartless took two passerbys hostage behind the nursing home before opening fire at Disario. After that, he charged into the nursing home and opened fire.
“Once the shot was fired at the chief, the two hostages took off running,” Thorp said.
Investigators found Medrano and Krantz dead inside the building and Hartless dead nearby. He is believed to have shot himself.
Disario had six children. His wife was expecting their seventh child.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich sent his condolences to Disario’s family.
“Ohio mourns the loss of Kirkersville Chief Eric Disario, who died in the line of duty. Join me in praying for his family, friends and colleagues, and for the others injured in this tragedy,” Kasich said.
