MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—On Monday at 10:43 a.m., Hocking County 911 received a report concerning a wanted suspect linked to a Failure to Register warrant from Marion County, Ohio. Authorities were informed of the suspect’s vehicle and location.
According to Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North, around 12:21 p.m., deputies spotted a vehicle that matched the suspect’s description in the Haydenville area. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect, identified as 33-year-old John Andrew Garcia from Marion, fled down Purdum Road. The pursuit concluded when Garcia’s vehicle veered off the road and into a creek.
As deputies pursued him on foot, Garcia brandished a firearm and opened fire at close range. The deputies responded, striking Garcia and effectively neutralizing the threat. Thankfully, no deputies were injured during the incident, and they provided medical assistance until medics arrived on the scene. Garcia was transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, for treatment, although his current condition remains undisclosed.
In addition to the existing warrant, Garcia now faces serious charges from Hocking County, including Having Weapons While Under Disability (F-3) and two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer (F-1). Additional charges are expected to be presented to a Hocking County Grand Jury in the near future.
Sheriff North expressed his gratitude for the safety of deputies and other personnel involved, thanking agencies that assisted during the incident, including Hocking County EMS, Logan Police Department, Logan Fire Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.