One man is in critical condition in the hospital after deputies shot him during a confrontation outside his home in which he wielded a baseball bat and an axe, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the 6600 block of Cambridge Avenue in Columbia Township around 4:40 p.m.
Friday after residents reported a man chasing people with a baseball bat. WCPO 9 News interviewed Torri Byrd, one of the men who called 911.
“We all tried to help that guy out,” Byrd said. “He came at my brother with a bat, and so that’s why we called the police.”
When deputies arrived, the sheriff’s office reported that Robert Brandon Eldred was wielding the bat in front of a house.
Eldred first ignored commands to drop the bat before throwing it at deputies, according to the sheriff’s office. Then, according to officials, he entered the home and returned with an axe.
According to the sheriff’s office, one deputy shot Eldred with a rubber bullet and used a Taser. In a video shared with WCPO 9 News, Eldred appears to continue running at deputies after both have been used.
Deputies shoot man who wielded bat and axe.
As Eldred approached deputies, the sheriff’s office said two more deputies fired at him, striking him once in the left side. According to the sheriff’s office, Eldred continued to approach deputies, attempting to grab one of their guns.
According to the sheriff’s office, another deputy used his Taser, causing Eldred to fall to the ground.
According to the sheriff’s office, Eldred fought deputies as they were taking him into custody. As police attempt to handcuff him, video footage shows him kicking and screaming.
Eldred was transported to UC Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Byrd informed us that he witnessed the entire interaction.
“Kind of sad to see, but it’s better to have him in the hospital than something else,” said his colleague.
Eldred faces four counts of felonious assault in connection with the confrontation with deputies.
