Local police chief from Stark County injured during mental health call
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lexington Township Police Chief Injured During Response to Mental Health Crisis
LEXINGTON TOWNSHIP, Stark County, Ohio – Lexington Township Police Chief Michael Russo is recovering after being injured during a response to a mental health-related call on Wednesday evening. The incident highlights the growing challenges local law enforcement face when encountering individuals in severe psychological distress.
According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, which is handling the ongoing investigation, Chief Russo was the first to respond to a 911 call from a residence on Oakwood Drive at approximately 7:15 p.m. The caller, a family member, reported that a relative was experiencing a severe mental health crisis, acting erratically, and had become a danger to himself and others.
Upon arrival, Chief Russo attempted to de-escalate the situation and engage in dialogue with the individual, a man in his late 20s whose name has not been released. Officials say the man’s behavior was unpredictable and that he was in a highly agitated state. During the interaction, the man allegedly threw a heavy household object, which struck Chief Russo in the head.
Despite his injury, Chief Russo was able to subdue the individual without further incident until backup from the Sheriff’s Office arrived. Paramedics were called to the scene and transported both the Chief and the man to a local hospital.
Chief Russo was treated for a concussion and received several stitches for a laceration. He was released from the hospital early Thursday morning and is now recovering at home.
The man at the center of the call was admitted for a psychological evaluation. Charges are pending based on the outcome of the investigation and the man’s mental state.
Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier commended Chief Russo for his bravery and professional conduct. “Chief Russo showed incredible restraint and courage in a volatile situation,” Sheriff Maier said in a statement. “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face and the increasing frequency of calls where mental health is a significant factor. We are thankful that Chief Russo is expected to make a full recovery.”
Local officials have pointed to the incident as a critical example of the need for more robust mental health services and co-responder programs, where mental health professionals work alongside law enforcement.
“Our officers are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis,” said Lexington Township Mayor Rebecca Smith. “We need to provide them with all the resources possible, including the immediate support of mental health experts in the field. Our thoughts are with Chief Russo and his family, and we are committed to exploring solutions to better support both our community members and our first responders.”
Chief Russo, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, has served as the Chief of the Lexington Township Police Department for the past eight years. He is a well-respected figure in the community, known for his commitment to community policing. The department has stated that they will be providing updates on his recovery and a timeline for his return to duty in the coming days.
