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DAYTON — A rookie Dayton police officer who shot and killed a potential suspect in an armed robbery July 19 believed the man was armed — possibly with a handgun — when the officer fired at him three times.

In a news conference Monday, July 21, Police Chief Richard Biehl also said Officer Jack Brooks, 22, lost his Taser while wrestling with Ricky L. Moore, 35, after Moore attacked the officer.

The Taser was found next to Moore where he fell dead, shot by Brooks from about 18 feet away.

While the investigation by homicide detectives isn't complete, Biehl offered the most complete account yet of the city's fourth police officer-involved shooting since May.

Biehl said that in light of the recent number of officer-involved shootings, he will take some immediate steps. More supervisors will be assigned to field duties, he said, and efforts will be made to educate citizens on what to do when stopped by police.

City Manager Rashad Young said he is concerned about the string of shootings, adding he knows that citizens have questions. He asked that they be patient and trust the investigation, which will include a review by him, Biehl and the Montgomery County prosecutor.

"One of the key things this chief has been talking about since day one here are positive and engaging relationships between the community and this department," Young said. "The proactive steps (the chief) outlined, I think, are the right things for us to do for this community."

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