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Holden Smith

Age : 37

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 08/10/2026

Location : Rodeway Inn, 1900 block of Broad Avenue

City : Findlay

County : Hancock

State : Ohio

Agency : Findlay Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis at motel

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 08/10/2026, 37-year-old Holden Smith was shot and killed by a Findlay Police Department officer during a suicidal crisis at the Rodeway Inn in the 1900 block of Broad Avenue in Findlay, Ohio. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., Findlay Police Dispatch received a telephone call from a person in room 214 reporting that a man was threatening to harm himself. According to police, the caller stated that Smith had a gun and then disconnected.

Findlay police officers responded to the motel and encountered Smith in the parking lot in front of the room. Police alleged that Smith was holding a gun and waving and pointing it. Officers attempted to negotiate with Smith. Police said those efforts were unsuccessful.

According to Findlay police, Smith then raised the gun. One Findlay police officer fired a single round, striking Smith. Police have not publicly identified the officer who fired the shot.

Officers rendered medical aid after the shooting. Hanco EMS transported Smith to Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A witness interviewed by WTVG reported hearing a single gunshot. The witness said people near the motel showed her photographs that appeared to depict Smith standing near trash cans at the Rodeway Inn with a gun.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to conduct the investigation into the shooting. Because the shooting occurred only one day before this update was prepared, the BCI investigation remains in its initial stage and the shooting officer's identity has not yet been released.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.13abc.com/2026/08/10/police-shooting-under-investigation-findlay/
https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/10/findlay-man-shot-killed-by-officer-after-standoff-police/stories/20260810083
https://wfin.com/local-news/person-dies-in-officer-involved-shooting-at-rodeway-inn/
https://thecourier.com/news/1309116/one-killed-in-findlay-officer-involved-shooting/
https://www.wtol.com/video/news/local/findlay-officer-fatally-shoots-armed-man-outside-hotel/512-2eba5aae-d27e-4b80-b8ce-866395c71217
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/SpecialPages/Investigative-Documents