Somerset Police Seek Driver After Officer Fires at Vehicle in Perry County

A police officer fired his gun at a car that was attempting to run him over Friday morning in Perry County, with the driver still at large as of the afternoon, NBC4 (WCMH-TV) reported. The encounter began when officers attempted to pull over a car within village limits, according to Somerset police. The suspect did not pull over when officers initiated the traffic stop, leading to a pursuit, the Somerset Police Department said. A suspect is being sought following the pursuit and shooting involving an officer in Perry County, 10TV (WBNS) reported.

The vehicle pursuit extended onto regional roadways in Perry County, prompting a multi-agency response as Perry County sheriff's deputies assisted village officers in tracking the vehicle. According to investigators, the officer discharged their duty weapon when the driver attempted to strike the officer with the vehicle during the encounter. Authorities have not reported any physical injuries to the officer involved in the shooting.

The ongoing search has raised local public safety concerns across central Perry County as patrol units actively scour the area for the fleeing motorist. Law enforcement officials have not yet released a description of the suspect, the vehicle make or license plate, or the driver's possible direction of travel.

It also remains unconfirmed whether local authorities have requested an independent review from state investigators, such as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which commonly evaluates police shootings in Ohio jurisdictions. Somerset police and county authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of suspicious vehicles or persons to local law enforcement.