NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH – A man wanted in connection to a Tennessee homicide died following a police-involved shooting in North Ridgeville on Wednesday. Jason Norris, 41, who was suspected of murdering his girlfriend and subsequently stealing her vehicle, was fatally shot by North Ridgeville police officers during an encounter.
The vehicle stolen by Norris was identified by a license plate reader in North Ridgeville, prompting Tennessee authorities to alert the local police about the suspect’s potential danger.
Norris was traced to a James Road residence, believed to be his grandmother’s and cousin’s, who reported they were unaware of Norris’ suspected crime. They shared that Norris claimed he had a fight with his girlfriend and sought seclusion.
The situation escalated when Norris and another unidentified man exited the house Wednesday evening. According to North Ridgeville Police Chief Mike Freeman, officers commanded them, and a shootout ensued, during which two police officers each fired one shot. One bullet struck Norris in the upper torso. Although injured, none of the police officers were hit in the showdown.
Following the incident, Norris was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect’s actions are being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Crime Scene Unit and Special Investigation Unit. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, adhering to standard protocol for police-related shootings.