CINCINNATI, OH
A deeply tragic sequence of events unfolded in Hamilton County this week, leaving a community grappling with shock, grief, and unanswered questions. Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder after allegedly striking and killing a sheriff’s deputy with his vehicle on Saturday. The incident occurred just one day after his son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer during a foot chase.
Authorities say the confrontation with Ryan began Friday following a police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. Ryan reportedly exited the car and fled on foot. According to initial statements, police claimed he dropped a firearm during the chase. As Ryan approached two dumpsters, an officer shouted “gun!” before firing several shots.
Body camera footage has yet to conclusively show whether Ryan had a gun in his possession at the time he was shot. A weapon was recovered nearby, but police have not confirmed that it was fired. Ryan died shortly after the encounter.
The next day, in what police believe was a retaliatory act, Rodney Hinton allegedly drove his vehicle into a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy, killing him instantly. Hinton was arrested at the scene and is now facing an aggravated murder charge.
The names of the officer involved in the shooting of Ryan and the deputy killed in Saturday’s incident have not yet been publicly released.
This chain of violent events has stunned the Cincinnati community, drawing attention to the pain and volatility that can erupt when families feel justice has failed them. Community leaders are urging residents to remain calm and allow the investigations to proceed.
“Our hearts are heavy for everyone involved,” said one local official. “We mourn the lives lost and recognize the complexity and heartbreak of this moment. Violence is never the answer—even in grief.”
The Cincinnati Police Department has pledged a full review of the officer-involved shooting. Meanwhile, Hamilton County prosecutors are preparing to pursue charges against Rodney Hinton in the death of the deputy.
As both cases unfold, families and community members are left navigating the devastating aftermath of two lives lost—father and son—within 48 hours.
