CINCINNATI (AP) – A tragic incident occurred in Cincinnati when a man, identified as 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., struck and killed a Hamilton County deputy with his vehicle on Friday, May 2, 2025. This incident is notably linked to Hinton's son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer just one day prior, on Thursday, during a chase related to a stolen car. Authorities have indicated that the crash involving the deputy appeared to be intentional, leading to serious charges against Hinton.
Following the incident, Hinton was charged with aggravated murder in connection with the deputy's death. He made his first court appearance on Saturday, where he faced a judge surrounded by a significant police presence. The prosecutor stated that evidence and testimony would demonstrate that Hinton drove directly at the deputy with the intent to kill. Subsequently, the judge ordered Hinton to be held in custody until a further court hearing set for Tuesday.
An attorney representing Hinton mentioned in court that his client has no prior felony convictions and acknowledged the gravity of the charges he faces. Meanwhile, a call for comments was left with a legal representative for Hinton's family, highlighting the complex emotions tied to this situation.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his distress over the incident, describing it as “sickening” and emphasizing the apparent intentional nature of the act. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge clarified that the deceased deputy was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati on graduation day when he was struck by Hinton’s vehicle. The deputy was noted to have recently retired but was still engaged in off-duty assignments.
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey spoke highly of the fallen deputy, stating, “He was so well-liked and so well-known. What a tremendous loss we have all suffered.” The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the truth. Hamilton County prosecutor Connie Pillich vowed to apply the full force of the law to Hinton if evidence supports the charges of intentional homicide.
The fatal shooting of Ryan Hinton by police occurred during a chase initiated after officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. According to police accounts, the responding officer stated that Ryan pointed a gun during the pursuit. Body camera footage released by police indicated that an officer warned others about Ryan having a gun just before multiple shots were fired as he ran behind an apartment complex. Chief Theetge noted that there is no evidence suggesting that Ryan fired at the police before he was shot.
This chain of events has garnered significant attention, raising questions about police conduct and the challenges faced by communities dealing with violence. Both the police department and the community are left to grapple with the ramifications of these tragic occurrences, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and accountability.
