A deputy was justified in the shooting of a Ross Township man wanted on child pornography charges, Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Gmoser said Friday.Alex Hoskins, 26, pulled a handgun on authorities serving a search warrant on Jennifer Drive in Ross Township on May 10, officials said. Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said Hoskins attempted "suicide by cop."The sheriff said detectives investigating a child pornography case were let into the home by family members. Authorities say Hoskins came out of his bedroom and pointed a gun at detectives.That detective — identified as Deputy Ricky Phillips, an eight-year veteran with the department — fired one shot, striking the 26-year-old in the chest and hand.Hoskins has since been released from the hospital, and was transferred to the Warren County Jail.Hoskins faces three counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and felonious assault. He also faces additional federal child pornography charges, Jones said.Following an independent investigation, Gmoser said no charges against any officer or agent have been returned, adding the use of force was justified.
A deputy was justified in the shooting of a Ross Township man wanted on child pornography charges, Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Gmoser said Friday.
Alex Hoskins, 26, pulled a handgun on authorities serving a search warrant on Jennifer Drive in Ross Township on May 10, officials said.
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said Hoskins attempted "suicide by cop."
The sheriff said detectives investigating a child pornography case were let into the home by family members. Authorities say Hoskins came out of his bedroom and pointed a gun at detectives.
That detective — identified as Deputy Ricky Phillips, an eight-year veteran with the department — fired one shot, striking the 26-year-old in the chest and hand.
Hoskins has since been released from the hospital, and was transferred to the Warren County Jail.
Hoskins faces three counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and felonious assault. He also faces additional federal child pornography charges, Jones said.
Following an independent investigation, Gmoser said no charges against any officer or agent have been returned, adding the use of force was justified.
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