Dominique Byrdsong Obituary, Death – Grove City authorities have identified the individual who lost his life during a confrontation with police officers following a reported burglary on Wednesday evening. The person has been named as 32-year-old Dominique Byrdsong.
According to officials, the incident began after officers responded to a call about an intruder inside a vacant home on Louise Court. The property owner reported that someone was inside the house and was believed to be armed, refusing to leave when asked. Officers arrived on the scene and began efforts to communicate with the individual, leading to a tense standoff that lasted for nearly three hours.
Around 8:30 p.m., Byrdsong reportedly ran from the house, prompting a brief chase on foot. Police stated that initial findings suggest he may have discharged a firearm during the pursuit. One officer was struck by a bullet during the exchange. In response, other officers returned fire, resulting in Byrdsong being critically injured. Despite medical assistance at the scene, he did not survive.
A neighbor later told WSYX News that she had noticed someone matching Byrdsong’s description the previous day, behaving in a manner that drew her attention. She mentioned seeing a black utility truck parked in the driveway of the vacant home. Investigators later confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Pickaway County a day before the incident.
Authorities said the injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and has since been released. The Grove City Police Department expressed gratitude for the public’s concern and encouragement in the aftermath of the incident. “We are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from our community,” the department said in a statement shared Thursday.
As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to transparency, officials released three body camera videos on Thursday. These clips show parts of the standoff and moments before the situation escalated into gunfire. The footage reveals officers attempting to de-escalate the situation through repeated verbal communication. However, some portions of the events were not captured due to technical challenges. According to the department, several body cameras either became dislodged or were temporarily obstructed during the pursuit.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken over the investigation, as is standard procedure in cases involving the use of force by law enforcement officers. BCI agents are reviewing all available evidence, including the recovered firearm, ballistic data, and the body camera footage.
Community members in Grove City expressed concern and sadness over the event, while others voiced appreciation for the officers’ efforts to protect residents during a tense and unpredictable situation. City officials have encouraged patience as investigators continue to review the sequence of events to determine exactly what led to the exchange.
Incidents like this often prompt discussions around crisis response and police engagement, and city leaders have reaffirmed their support for ongoing training designed to reduce the risk of harm during volatile encounters. Officials noted that the department regularly reviews its de-escalation procedures and body camera protocols to improve safety for both residents and officers.
The Grove City Police Department stated that additional details will be made available once the investigation is complete. For now, authorities are focusing on gathering accurate information and ensuring transparency with the public.
While the investigation continues, residents are reminded that cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious activity can play a critical role in preventing dangerous situations. The department extended appreciation to everyone who assisted with information and support during the response and aftermath of the event.
The incident on Louise Court remains an active case under review, with law enforcement emphasizing that all findings will be thoroughly examined to provide a full and fair account of what happened on that evening.
