4-Year-Old Girl Killed by Stray Bullet During Police Shootout While at Dentist’s Office
(St Clair Township Police/GoFundMe)
A tragic shooting in St. Clair Township, Ohio, on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of a 4-year-old girl and left a police officer critically injured. Rosalie Carey, 4, was fatally shot while at a nearby dentist’s office during the incident. Detective Dakota Wetzel, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition but has shown signs of responsiveness, including opening his eyes and giving a thumbs-up to family members, according to police.
The St. Clair Township Police Department reported that officers responded to a call around 2 p.m. regarding a man experiencing a possible mental health crisis. When officers located the individual, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, walking down the street, he immediately opened fire on them. Police returned fire, striking Como, who later died from his injuries.
During the exchange of gunfire, Detective Wetzel sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was airlifted to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent surgery. He remains in stable condition but is in the intensive care unit. The tragic incident also resulted in the death of Rosalie Carey, who was struck by gunfire while inside the dentist’s office.
In a statement on Facebook, St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie expressed the department’s deep sorrow. “We’re trying to gather information as fast as we can so we can update the community. Right now, we need the community to pray for our officer and the child who was shot,” McKenzie wrote.
Later, Chief McKenzie provided an update on Detective Wetzel’s condition and urged the community to continue offering prayers and support for both the officer and Rosalie’s family. The devastating event has left the St. Clair Township community in mourning.
A donation page has been established to support Detective Wetzel’s recovery and the Carey family during this difficult time. Contributions can be made through the “Support the FOP of Ohio Foundation” page.
As the investigation continues, local officials and residents alike are grappling with the tragedy. The loss of Rosalie and the critical injuries sustained by Detective Wetzel have deeply shaken the small Ohio community, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence and mental health crises.
Authorities are continuing to gather information and urge the community to remain united as they process the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
