During a tense encounter in a residence, a 44-year-old individual named David West was discovered in the basement by law enforcement. Officers stationed at the top of the stairs were informed by West that he possessed a pistol. Despite multiple verbal commands, he refused to ascend the stairs or reveal his hands. The situation escalated when West became visible to the officers while brandishing a weapon aimed at them. In response, Officer Rodriguez discharged his firearm, resulting in West’s death at the scene.
At the behest of the Piqua Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation undertook an examination of the incident. The findings of their investigation were subsequently reviewed by Miami County Prosecutor Paul Watkins. Watkins concluded that there was no indication that any objectively reasonable officer would have acted differently under the circumstances. He affirmed that Lt. Rodriguez’s actions were justified in all respects when he discharged his weapon and noted that Rodriguez acted in accordance with his professional training.
Following the incident, Rodriguez was placed on paid administrative leave. The three other officers who were present remained on active duty throughout the investigation.