Shocking Ohio double tragedy explained.
A Cincinnati father allegedly killed a sheriff’s deputy less than 24 hours after his teenage son was fatally shot by police.
Deadly encounter revealed.
The chain of events began on Thursday, May 1, when Cincinnati police spotted a stolen vehicle with four suspects inside.
As officers approached, the suspects jumped out and ran, with one — later identified as 18-year-old Ryan Hinton — fleeing on foot while allegedly holding a gun.
Body cam video captured officers shouting, “He’s got a gun! On your right! On your right!” as they chased Hinton through an alley.
Police Chief Teresa Theetge said Hinton pointed the gun toward officers in a “bladed” stance before an officer fired four to five rounds.
Ryan Hinton was struck twice by police bullets and died at the scene, just days after turning 18.
The body cam footage doesn’t clearly show Hinton pointing the weapon, which Theetge acknowledged was due to the officer running during the incident.
Police recovered a handgun with an extended magazine near Hinton’s body — but it had not been fired.
Family attorney Michael Wright said the footage raised concerns: “The family’s pretty upset, pretty distraught about what happened to their son.”
Father’s revenge act detailed.
Rodney Hinton Jr., Ryan’s father, viewed the body cam footage between 10 and 11AM on Friday, accompanied by family and legal counsel.
“He was very distraught,” said Wright, describing the elder Hinton’s mental state hours before the next shocking event would unfold.
Around 1PM on Friday, while traffic was being directed near the University of Cincinnati for graduation events, tragedy struck again.
A vehicle slammed into a special deputy sheriff who was managing traffic, killing him on the scene.
The driver was soon identified as 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr. — the grieving father of the teen killed just the day before.
At his Saturday arraignment, Prosecutor Ryan Nelson said Hinton Jr. “lined up his car, deliberately accelerated… and purposely caused the death.”
“It appeared from everyone on the scene that he deliberately struck the deputy in an attempt to kill him,” Nelson told the court.
Fallen officer’s life highlighted.
The deputy, recently retired but still serving part-time, has not been publicly named due to Ohio’s crime victim protection laws.
He had volunteered to direct traffic during graduation celebrations at the University of Cincinnati — a day meant to be filled with joy.
“This officer was out doing his job,” said Chief Theetge. “What was supposed to be a glorious day became a horrifying one.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a blunt condemnation: “I’m sickened by what appears to be an intentional act of violence.”
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey mourned the loss: “He was so well-known. So well-liked. This building could be filled with those who loved him.”
Aftermath of shocking incident confirmed.
A solemn procession was held Friday night, with law enforcement escorting the deputy’s body as a sign of respect and sorrow.
“There will be someone with him until he transitions to higher ground,” said McGuffey, echoing the grief felt across departments.
Prosecutors are pursuing an indictment for aggravated murder, the highest charge in Ohio, citing the attack’s “deliberate” nature.
Hinton Jr. is currently in custody without bond as he awaits a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
His first court appearance was attended by dozens of uniformed officers — a silent message from a shaken law enforcement community.
His public defender, Tom Ewing, acknowledged the room’s emotions: “There’s a lot of sadness and anger here, in this room and in the city.”
Michael Wright, attorney for the Hinton family, said the investigation into Ryan’s death is ongoing and called for full transparency.
Wright confirmed a public records request has been submitted to obtain further documentation, including all body cam and incident reports.
But with the video unclear and the gun unfired, critics are questioning whether deadly force was truly necessary.
The investigation continues.
As prosecutors label Hinton Jr.’s act as premeditated, others wonder whether it was a moment of calculated revenge — or a man shattered by grief.
In just two days, a stolen car chase, a police shooting, and a fatal hit-and-run have left Cincinnati reeling — and the nation watching.