Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a recent development, the Celina police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Corey Andrew, a 24-year-old man from St. Mary’s, last year have been cleared of any charges.
The incident took place in August 2023, near Eastview Park in Celina, Mercer County. Officer David Powell was on patrol on State Route 29 when he noticed an SUV parked near the closed park in the early hours of the morning.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Powell encountered Andrew and Hannah Pawelski inside. It was reported that there was a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, prompting Officer Justin Rice to arrive on the scene for assistance.
Events Leading to the Shooting
When asked for identification and to hand over the marijuana cigarette, Andrew refused. Powell informed Andrew that he would only receive a misdemeanor citation, but Andrew suddenly accelerated the vehicle into the grass and turned back towards the officers.
Both Powell and Rice ran back to their patrol cars as Andrew accelerated towards them. Rice, feeling that he had no means of escape, fired his weapon at the vehicle, resulting in Andrew being shot.
Immediate Aftermath
Pawelski exited the vehicle and revealed the presence of a baby inside, unbeknownst to the officers until that point. The baby was unharmed. Officers attempted life-saving measures on Andrew before he was transported to Mercer Health Hospital in Coldwater, where he was pronounced dead.
Chief Tom Wale stated that Rice sustained serious injuries during the incident, including a concussion and neck injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Conclusion
A Mercer County grand jury, led by special prosecutor Eva Yarger from Van Wert County, reviewed the case and ultimately decided not to indict the officers on any charges related to the shooting.
This decision marks the conclusion of the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident that occurred in Celina last year.
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