Cincinnati Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell says that two of his officers fought for their lives after a man exited a vehicle and attacked them during a traffic stop Tuesday morning.
Officials say that Daniel Row, a backseat passenger of a vehicle that was pulled over, ran straight at officers Mark Bode and Thomas Weigand and wasn't brought down after a Taser was used on him, according to WCPO-TV.
Row then pulled out a 40-caliber Ruger pistol with 15 rounds in the clip and one in the chamber.
Blackwell said that while the suspect didn't fire his weapon, the decisions of the officers made next were life or death.
In dashcam video of the incident, one of the officers can be heard say "He's got a gun. Shoot him! Shoot him!"
Weigand told police officials he felt Row's weapon hit his cheek. Moments later, six shots were fired. Two struck the suspect, who was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
"It was a violent fight. It was literally a fight for survival for both of those officers," Blackwell said. "Make no mistake about it. The use of deadly force in this scenario was necessary."
Bode was uninjured in the attack while Weigand suffered minor abrasions and contusions.
"Fortunately their training . . . kicked in and they were able to persevere in this life-threatening incident," Blackwell said. "Thank God both of these officers are OK today."
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 28-year-old Jonathan Johnson. He was charged with misdemeanor drug possession and improper change of lane.
The incident is currently under investigation.
