Officer Joshua Miktarian

[rkirker]

Twinsburg police officer killed during traffic stop

TWINSBURG: A 33-year-old Twinsburg police officer was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop early this morning.

The victim was identified as Joshua Miktarian of Tallmadge.

The shooting happened about 2 a.m. on Route 91 near Glenwood Drive.

Police say it's not clear why the motorist was pulled over or what prompted the shooting. Miktarian worked with a K-9 officer. His German Shepherd was in the cruiser during the shooting.

A 23-year-old suspect was arrested in Bedford and taken to the Summit County Jail.

Shortly after the shooting, a SWAT team had surrounded a home in Twinsburg Township where a suspect was thought to be, police said.

Miktarian was flown to Metrohealth Medical Center, in Cleveland, where he was pronounced dead.

He is survived by his wife, who is an Oakwood police officer, and their 3-year-old daughter.

An 11-year veteran police officer, Miktarian began working earlier this year as a part-time officer in Uniontown, where he had begun his career.

Twinsburg Police Chief Chris Noga says Miktarian owned a Gionino's Pizza franchise in Sagamore Hills. He also played guitar in a rock band, Barium.

http://www.odmp.org/officer/19451-police-officer-joshua-t.-miktarian

[RaffyK]

Rest in peace brother.

[RonKMiller]

Wow, that's just terrible news. I grew up in Chagrin Falls - not far from there - and still have many friends in that area.

I have MANY fond memories of my time there - and thought that is was one of the best places in the USA to grow up. I'm sure it still is.

Peace be with his family and friends - he led a very noble life and will be rewarded well in the hereafter. :(

[PMitchell]

TV news stated that in the 58 year history of this department, this was the first fatality of an officer. Passed that intersection last Thursday.


TWINSBURG, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities say a suburban Cleveland police officer has been shot and killed during a traffic stop.

Twinsburg police say 33-year-old Joshua Miktarian was shot about 2 a.m. Sunday. Police say it's not clear why the motorist was pulled over or what prompted the shooting.

Police have arrested 23-year-old Ashford Thompson of Twinsburg. He was found in a home in Bedford Heights with one of Officer Miktarian's handcuffs still attached to his wrist. Police say Thompson will be charged Monday morning.

Miktarian worked with a K-9 officer, a German Shepherd that was in the car during the shooting. He lived in Tallmadge with his 3-month-old daughter and wife, who is an Oakwood police officer.

[cfell]

RIP, Officer... .... very sad.. RIP, Officer...

[jayjacobson]

His daughter is so young.....All she will remember is pictures.... :(

I think my dad was the first to tell me, "life is so unfair."

[rkirker]

This was very Awe-inspiring and somber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcmByT1eh-g

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=93759&catid=45

They think they raised over $20K for the family.

I was riding with tears in my eyes when I saw his widow leading the ride on Joshua's Bike

God bless all officers and their families !!!!!!

[PMitchell]

Facing the Death Penalty, Accused Cop Killer is Arraigned


AKRON, Ohio -- The man accused of killing Twinsburg police officer Joshua Miktarian was arraigned Friday morning, Fox 8 News reports.

Ashford Thompson, 23, was ordered to be held without bond.

It was a video arraignment, but the fallen officer's widow -- Holly Miktarian -- was in attendance at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. She was escorted in and out of the courtroom by authorities. Residents of Twinsburg also showed up as a sign of support for the family and the city.

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh had previously announced that the death penalty would be sought against Thompson, who faces a number of charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, two counts each of escape and resisting arrest, three counts of tampering with evidence and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.

According to the Twinsburg Police Department, Joshua Miktarian pulled over Thompson's car for suspicion of drunken driving and loud music as the suspect was driving to his home on Glenwood Drive about 2 a.m. on July 13, 2008.

A radio transmission of the incident revealed that the officer radioed for assistance, and less than two minutes later, the incident turned deadly.

Last week, officials from the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office said that Joshua Miktarian was shot in the head four times at point-blank range.

Thompson was taken into custody an hour after the alleged shooting. He was at the home of a relative in Bedford Heights, still wearing handcuffs on one wrist.

[RaffyK]

Was he shot with his own service firearm?

[rkirker]

No the driver had a weapon on him he also had a conceal carry permit that had been revoked last year after he carried it into a liquor establishment and after some DUI's. (nut case had to be looking to shoot someone just needed an excuse)
The officers side arm was never removed. His holster was not even unsnapped according to the reports.

[RaffyK]

Thanks for the info. Let's hope justice will be swift.