Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigate armed robberies and suspect’s subsequent suicide.

MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at approximately 9:27 PM, numerous calls flooded into the Marion County Combined Dispatch reporting an armed robbery at the Chipotle located at 135 Edgefield Blvd.

Witnesses shared that the suspect entered the restaurant brandishing a firearm, seized the cash register, and attempted to flee.

In a tense moment, a patron intervened, resulting in the suspect’s gun discharging. Fortunately, no one was struck by the bullet. The suspect escaped the scene with the cash register.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office quickly launched an investigation. Utilizing assistance from Flock Cameras, investigators identified the suspect as 31-year-old Chris Emmanuel Nehantzoulis Jr. of Marion.

A few hours later, the Medina County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull Nehantzoulis over for an equipment violation. This led to a pursuit that involved the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Strongsville Police Department.

During the chase, a spike strip was deployed, disabling Nehantzoulis’s vehicle. In the chaos, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot, firing two shots at pursuing law enforcement officers. Shortly after, Nehantzoulis took his own life.

The Marion Police Department is currently investigating another armed robbery that occurred on April 13 at the Dollar General located at 617 N. Main St. Evidence gathered in that case also pointed to Nehantzoulis as a suspect.

Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles expressed his pride in the teamwork displayed by deputies and officers throughout the investigations, stating, “It is unfortunate that Mr. Nehantzoulis decided to end his life the way that he did, and it is fortunate that no law enforcement officers were struck when he fired at them.”

Authorities expressed their gratitude for the lack of injuries to innocent bystanders and law enforcement officers during both robberies and the subsequent investigation. The sheriff’s office also thanked witnesses who cooperated with law enforcement.

This case remains under ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding the suspect or the robberies is urged to contact the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, or the TIPS Line at 740-375-TIPS.