A day after a gunman killed Kirkersville's new police chief, The city's Mayor issued a statement saying that he is deeply saddened by the loss of Eric DiSario. Mayor Terry W. Ashcraft said the acting chief was only with the department for a short time, however, he will be dearly missed by the citizens of Kirkersville.
Chief had 6 children and a baby due this year
The mayor further stated that he died in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of the village. Terry said those whom he had pledged to serve and protect will continue to pray for his family, as well as the families of the two ladies killed in the senseless tragedy.
The Mayor also took the opportunity to thank all the law enforcement agencies, as well as the local government offices and other officials that have continued to unselfishly protect the citizens of Ohio.
The news broke yesterday afternoon of the hostage situation that claimed the life of Police Chief Steven Eric Disario. Two employees of a nearby nursing home were also found dead. Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said the gunman, identified as 43-year-old Thomas Hartless, was also dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gunman who killed three people had criminal history
Reportedly, the gunman hid in a wooded area behind the Pine Kirk Care Center nursing home -- where he took two hostages.
However, both managed to escape unharmed when he shot the police chief, who answered the emergency call. During a press conference, it was stated that the 36-year-old police chief was the father of six children and had another child due sometime this year.
Condolences continue to pour in from Ohio's citizens as they mourn with the family of Disario.
The police chief was described as a wonderful husband and father, who was always ready to help anyone in need. The other victims that died were identified as Cindy Krantz of Pataskala and Marlina Medrano of Newark. Both women were employed at the Pine Kirk Care Center nursing home as a nurse and a nurse's assistant.
According to investigators, Medrano was the ex-girlfriend of Hartless and was the intended target.
Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville said that Hartless had a history of Domestic Violence. Reportedly, he had served time in prison about six years ago on charges of domestic violence and child endangerment. Additionally, Hartless had also done 15 months in jail for aggravated assault and aggravated menacing.
