Deputy Sheriff Matthew Eugene Yates, age 41, of the Clark County Sheriff's Office in Ohio, tragically died on July 24, 2022. He was shot and killed while responding to a shots fired call at the 1100 block of Ashwood Drive in South Charleston. The incident began when the Clark County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting that a female subject had broken into a residence and fired multiple shots. When Deputy Yates and another deputy attempted to check the mobile home, they were met with gunfire. Deputy Yates was shot inside the trailer and was trapped inside for hours during a standoff with the subject. Despite efforts to rescue him, he was flown to Miami Valley Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, identified as Cole White, 27, of South Charleston, is believed to have shot Deputy Yates after shooting his mother, Jodie Arbuckle, 47, of Springfield. The incident escalated into a standoff, and the mobile home caught fire, resulting in the deaths of both Cole White and Jodie Arbuckle. The Ohio Attorney General's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation took over the investigation of the shooting. The BCI routinely investigates shootings involving law enforcement officers. Another deputy was injured during the rescue attempt but has since recovered.
The tragic loss of Deputy Yates, who had served with the Clark County Sheriff's Office for 15 years, deeply affected the community. He is survived by his wife, daughter, two stepsons, and father, who retired from the Clark County Sheriff's Office. The investigation into the incident continues, with the BCI working to gather all relevant information and evidence.
Deputy Yates' dedication and sacrifice are remembered by his colleagues and the community he served. His legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he made during his 15 years of service.
