On March 19, 2011, Andrew Scott Dunn, a 30-year-old male police officer from Sandusky, Ohio, was tragically shot and killed while attempting to question a suspect. Officer Dunn was on patrol near Tyler Street and Hayes Avenue when he noticed a male riding a bicycle without lights. As he approached the suspect, the individual opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Dunn. The suspect, identified as Kevin D.
Randleman, was also injured in the ensuing gun battle and was later charged with aggravated murder.
The incident occurred early in the morning, and Officer Dunn managed to return fire before succumbing to his injuries. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office reported that Dunn was shot five times, while Randleman was shot twice in the arm. The Erie County grand jury convened to consider the case, and Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter announced his intention to seek the death penalty.
In August 2012, Kevin Randleman pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and other related charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The court heard emotional testimonies from Sandusky police officers and Dunn’s family members, although his wife and father chose not to speak.
Officer Dunn, a lifelong resident of Sandusky, had fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming a police officer, following in his father’s footsteps. He was a dedicated officer who loved sports and was survived by his wife Julie and two young sons, Caleb and Conner.
The tragic loss of Officer Dunn deeply affected the community and his fellow officers, who continue to honor his memory and service.
