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WARREN -- Warren police Chief Eric Merkel offered condolences to the family of a man shot to death by police in a post on social media that also identified the officers placed on leave after using deadly force against David Lee Rigg.
"On behalf of the Warren Police Department, I extend our sincerest condolences to David's family and friends for their loss. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event," Merkel stated in the post.
Merkel states in the post the department is continuing "to pursue the implementation of body-worn cameras throughout our agency."
The post also states a crisis response team did not arrive in time during the roughly two-hour standoff that began around 10 p.m. Monday at 2161 Hamilton St. SW following a report of domestic violence at the house.
"Officers arrived on scene and immediately began negotiating with Mr. Rigg to resolve the volatile situation. During this standoff, the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team was called to respond to the scene to assist in our de-escalation efforts. Prior to MVCRT arrival, Mr. Rigg presented a deadly threat with a pistol. Officers responded with deadly force," Merkel stated in the post Thursday afternoon on the department's Facebook page.
Officers Michael Edwards, William Fowler, Brian Martinek and Trevor Sumption were placed on administrative leave, per department policy, because they were involved.
Merkel announced the department will carry out an administrative investigation of the incident, along with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's examination of the shooting itself, "to ensure compliance with all departmental policies and procedures."
"This administrative process also will evaluate existing policy, training, tactics and how each relates to best policing standards," he stated.
Merkel asked the community for "patience and trust" during the investigation.
"The gravity of police use of deadly force and its impact on the deceased's family, the involved officers, the department and the entire community cannot be overstated. Transparency and accountability are critical to the relationship between this police department and our community," Merkel stated.
The department does and will continue to give police officers use-of-force and de-escalation training and crisis intervention training, Merkel stated.