Bruce Edward Lab, Jr., a 46-year-old man, was fatally shot on the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2026, in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Orrville power plant on Perry Street, where Lab was the superintendent. He had worked at the power plant since he was 18, working his way up to the leadership position.
Authorities were called to the scene around 3:17 p.m. for a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, they found Lab with gunshot wounds. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, identified as Robert R. Simon, was found dead in the parking lot from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the initial investigation, Simon approached Lab in the parking lot, shot him, and then turned the gun on himself. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Law enforcement officials have stated that the scene was immediately secured and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Lab, a resident of Creston, was a 1997 graduate of Orrville High School. He was described as a loving family man who enjoyed spending his free time outdoors, engaging in activities such as camping, fishing, and 4-wheeling. He is survived by his wife, Sondra, and their two young daughters.
