The driver who reportedly shot a Parma Heights detective in the leg during a traffic stop Wednesday evening was shot by police after reaching for a gun and died at a nearby hospital, authorities said. The detective was rushed to MetroHealth Medical Center.
Authorities said a Parma police officer made a routine traffic stop at around 5:30 p.m. and the Parma Heights detective stopped to assist. There was a struggle that ensued between the driver of the vehicle and the two police officers when they noticed the driver had a gun in his waistband.
During the struggle, the driver shot the Parma Heights detective in the left leg. The Parma police officer tried to restrain the driver. The driver reached again for the gun and that is when both the detective and Parma police officer returned fire, shooting the driver, according to Parma police.
The driver, Jonathan Legg, 29, of Parma Heights was taken to University Hospital Parma, where he passed away from his injuries, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. The Parma Heights detective sustained a gunshot wound to his left kneecap and lower leg. He is currently in stable condition at MetroHealth.
The Parma officer involved was taken to Parma Southwest General as a precaution.
The incident happened in Parma Heights at the intersection of Stumph and Huffman roads.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation has a Crime Scene Unit and Special Investigations Unit on the scene. BCI said it has been requested to lead the investigation.
Pearl Road was closed at Broadview Avenue, State Road, Memphis Avenue and Denison Avenue while the officer was transported to the hospital.
Parma police are not releasing the names of the officers involved in the shooting. The Parma police officer involved is a six year veteran of the Parma Police Department. The Parma Heights Detective is a four year veteran of the Parma Heights Police Department, according to Parma police.
