Hamilton officers return to duty after being cleared of fatal shooting | Media Pyro

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – Two Hamilton police officers are back on duty after an investigation found them justified in the killing of a homicide suspect in early October, according to the Hamilton Police Department.

Officer Brian Bowlin and Officer James Leisinger shot and killed Stefan Jones, 25, of Liberty Township on Oct. 8 after he confronted the suspect with a gun.

During their encounter, both officers ordered Jones to put up his hands after brandishing a handgun. Police say the suspect did not listen and fired at Jones.

After the suspect was disarmed, multiple officers began providing medical treatment to Jones, police said. He was later pronounced dead at UC Medical Center.

>> 911 calls released, fatal officer-involved homicide suspect <

Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said the Butler County grand jury ruled the use of deadly force against Jones was justified and followed police protocol.

“Officers Bowlin and Leisinger followed their training, used good tactics, and acted decisively to prevent an armed and very dangerous suspect from harming anyone else,” said Hamilton Police Chief Craig Buchheit. “They saved many innocent lives by putting themselves in harm’s way. I’m proud of them—they’re heroes.

>> RELATED: 2 Fairfield Township officers resign after deciding not to fire on armed suspect <

Jones is accused of killing 25-year-old Sidney Printup after a car accident turned into a shooting in Hamilton, according to the Hamilton Police Department.

Police say Jones got out of his vehicle and shot Printup multiple times before fleeing the scene.

An independent investigation was conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

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