Butler Twp. and Huber Heights police were investigating reports of shots fired on Miller Lane around 10:15 p.m. April 13 after multiple people, including the suspect’s girlfriend, reported gunfire near the Days Inn at 7470 Miller Lane.
The man’s girlfriend told a dispatcher he shot at her, but didn’t hit her, according to a 911 call played during a press conference on Wednesday. She said Booker then took off walking south on Miller Lane toward Walmart.
Police found Booker near the driveway to the O’Charley’s Restaurant and Bar at 7030 Miller Lane.
Huber Heights and Butler Twp. officers arrived on scene at the same time. Officer Waler was first to exit his vehicle and gave Booker multiple orders, including to get down on his knees, keep his hands up and turn away from the officer, Lightner said. He reportedly refused to get down on his knees.
Booker then dropped his hands down to pull up his pants and reached around to his front right pocket and pulled out a gun, Lightner said. Waler then fired three shots, striking Booker.
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Butler Twp. police Chief John Porter said Wednesday that Booker is still in the hospital in stable condition. Booker could not be reached for comment.
Lightner said Booker was shot in the torso, but it wasn’t clear how many times he was hit.
Waler is on paid administrative leave while the incident is under investigation. He’s a canine handler and has been with the department for 18 years, Lightner said.
Lightner said based on a preliminary investigation, Waler acted according to policy and procedure when confronted with a deadly weapon.
Porter said the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing potential charges for Booker. Porter noted that pending the prosecutor’s review, Booker has not yet been placed under arrest.
There are three investigations connected to the incident, Porter said.
Butler Twp. police is handling the initial shots-fired report. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting by Waler, and Huber Heights is conducting its own internal investigation.
Lightner said Wednesday the Huber Heights PD has a mutual-aid contract with all police departments in the area, adding that it’s standard practice for his department to respond to requests for assistance in a nearby jurisdiction if officers in that area are otherwise occupied and responding to other high-priority calls.
Staff Writer Jen Balduf contributed to this report.
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER