Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Rodney Helman
Age : 54
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 08/02/2023
Location : Dayton International Airport Access Road (Terminal Road area)
City : Vandalia
County : Montgomery
State : Ohio
Agency : Ohio State Highway Patrol
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Shot and killed by police following pursuit and hostage standoff
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 08/02/2023, a London Police officer attempted a traffic stop on a minivan for traffic violations. Rodney D. Helman and Elaine M. Helman provided false identifying information before continuing to drive away. The pair stopped at a truck stop, ran from the vehicle, entered an occupied semi-tractor, shot the driver in the hand, and took control of the truck while holding the driver hostage. Law enforcement from multiple agencies pursued the stolen semi through several counties until it became disabled near the Dayton International Airport Access Road in Vandalia.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team members and hostage negotiators attempted to resolve the standoff for approximately four hours. When troopers approached the semi to rescue the hostage, Rodney Helman fired at them. Three troopers returned fire, striking Rodney Helman and Elaine Helman. The hostage escaped, and troopers rendered medical aid. Rodney Helman was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where he died later that morning. A handgun recovered from the semi was confirmed to have been fired during the incident. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the shooting, and in February 2024 a grand jury determined the troopers acted lawfully.
