HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — A wanted suspect from Marion County was shot by deputies Monday afternoon after allegedly firing at law enforcement during a vehicle and foot pursuit in Hocking County, according to Sheriff Lanny E. North.
Hocking County 911 received information at approximately 10:43 a.m. on December 29, 2025, regarding the whereabouts of a suspect wanted for failure to register as a sex offender out of Marion County. Deputies were provided with details about the suspect and the vehicle he was believed to be driving.
Sheriff North said that around 12:21 p.m., deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description in the Haydenville area and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as John Andrew Garcia, 33, of Marion, failed to comply and fled on Purdum Road.
The pursuit ended when Garcia’s vehicle left the roadway and entered a creek. Garcia then fled on foot, with two Hocking County deputies in pursuit. During the foot chase, Garcia reportedly produced a firearm and fired at deputies at close range. Deputies returned fire, striking Garcia and neutralizing the threat.
Deputies were not injured during the incident and immediately rendered medical aid to Garcia until emergency medical crews arrived. Garcia was transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus for treatment. His condition has not been released.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
In addition to the original failure-to-register warrant, Garcia now faces charges in Hocking County for having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony, and two counts of attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer, first-degree felonies. Additional charges are expected to be presented to a Hocking County grand jury.
Sheriff North expressed gratitude that no deputies or other personnel were injured and thanked assisting agencies, including Hocking County EMS, the Logan Police Department, Logan Fire Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
