Kettering officer-involved shooting: Man fired at police, refused to drop gun, chief says

A man killed in an officer-involved shooting Sunday night in Kettering shot at police and ignored commands to drop his gun, Kettering Police Chief Christopher Protsman said.

James Tober Sr. was taken to Kettering Medical Center, where he died, according to police.

Police responded around 10 p.m. Sunday to the 2100 block of Gay Drive for a domestic situation involving a man with a gun, according to police.

Protsman said that gunfire could be heard in the background when Tober’s wife called 911. She also indicated that Tober was having some mental health issues, the chief said.

In cruiser dash camera footage, officers can be heard shouting for Tober to drop his weapon.As officers were arriving, the caller reportedly said that the man was standing in the street and holding a gun.When officers approached, there was an exchange of gunfire and Tober was hit, according to police.Officers performed CPR until medics arrived.

No officers were injured.

Based off information gathered so far, Protsman said he believes the officers acted properly. A full investigation is ongoing.

The two officers who fired their guns are on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

The officers are doing well, Protsman said, but will receive counseling. Both have been with the department for more than five years.

On June, 28 at approximately 10:02pm The Kettering Police Department received a 911 call for a domestic situation...

Posted by Kettering Police Department on Monday, June 29, 2020

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to respond and process the scene. Dayton police also responded.

Kettering is conducting the criminal investigation as well as an internal investigation.

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Neighbors said Tober, a white man in his 60s, was quiet and could be seen riding his motorcycles around the neighborhood.

“It’s shocking,” said James Couch. “The guy kept to himself.”

Couch said he was just coming home as the shooting took place and he could hear the gunfire.

“The whole street was covered with police.”

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