Caleb Surface, a 23-year-old male from Fairfield, OH, tragically passed away on January 18, 2014. His death was the result of an officer-involved shooting. Caleb was confronted by Fairfield Police Officer Scott Conklin after his father, Jeffrey Surface, called 911 reporting that Caleb was out of control and possibly suicidal. When Officer Conklin arrived, Caleb had already fled the house, and after a brief pursuit, Conklin shot Caleb, believing he had a gun.
Unfortunately, Caleb only had a cordless phone in his possession at the time.
The incident led to significant legal actions. Caleb's parents, Jeffrey Surface and Laura Pavlech, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Officer Conklin, the city of Fairfield, and then-Police Chief Mike Dickey. The lawsuit alleged excessive force and negligence. In 2019, the city of Fairfield agreed to settle the lawsuit for $500,000, although no criminal charges were brought against Officer Conklin.
The case drew considerable attention and raised questions about police conduct and the use of force. Despite the settlement, Jeffrey Surface continued to believe that the officer's account of the incident was inaccurate. The Butler County grand jury declined to bring any criminal charges against Conklin, but the legal and emotional aftermath of Caleb's death continued to impact his family and the community.
Caleb Surface is remembered by his family and friends as a kind, gentle, and genuine soul. His untimely death left a lasting impact on those who knew him and sparked discussions about police practices and accountability.
