Police search for man who shot officer

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SIDNEY — Sidney Police are seeking help from the public to find the man who shot and wounded a Sidney police officer Wednesday night. As a precaution, Sidney public and private schools closed on Thursday, as the suspect remains at large.

Brandon Steele, 34, is the wanted man accused of shooting Sidney Sgt. Tim Kennedy.

According to a press release from Chief Will Balling, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, officers of the Sidney Police Department (SPD) attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant on Steele in the 700 block of Lynn Street. As officers approached the residence, Steele fled on foot. Steele and a SPD officer met towards the dead end of Ronan Street, where shots were fired. The suspect fled south again and was encountered in an alley off of Taft Street. The suspect fired his weapon at Kennedy, who was stuck by the gunfire. Steele then fled again on foot.

Kennedy was transported to Miami Valley Hospital and is currently in stable condition. Kennedy has served with SPD since 2007.

Sidney City Schools (SCS) Superintendent Bob Humble said he was informed around 5 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7, about the shooting and made the decision right then to close schools for the day.

“We just thought it was the safest thing to do (given) someone has already fired at a police officer, and wounded a police officer. I just didn’t feel it was safe for kids to be walking up and down the street in the dark while they are basically doing a manhunt for this guy,” Humble said. “And it happened very close to three of our schools. So, I wasn’t going to take a chance if somehow he snuck into a building or is hiding behind someone’s house and grabs a kid. It just wasn’t worth it.”

Thursday evening school activities were in a “holding pattern,” Humble said by phone Thursday morning, as they tried to decide whether activities would resume for the evening. The hope, he said, is to reopen school on Friday.

Thursday afternoon, SCS’s Facebook page posted the following message, “With the ongoing situation surrounding the shooting incident from last night and the ongoing search for the suspect today, it is in the best interest of our students, families, and community to CANCEL ALL ACTIVITIES this evening, including practices, games, and the Homecoming Parade.

“We are planning to find a way to highlight the Homecoming Court within our school community Wednesday, Oct. 13, and when we do that, we will be sure to share with the public through our social media feeds,” the page continued.

“Volleyball Senior Night will take place at the Monday, Oct. 11 game.

“Thank you for your understanding at this time,” the post concluded.

Lehman Catholic High School, Holy Angels School and Christian Academy Schools also closed on Thursday.

“Lehman’s campus will remain closed for the rest of the day. Volleyball, Girl’s Soccer, and Boy’s Soccer are canceled for today. Football practice has been moved to the Piqua Football Stadium at 5 p.m.,” Lehman posted on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

SPD is asking for anyone with any information on Steele’s whereabouts to please contact Sidney Police at 937-498-2351.

Steele is considered armed and dangerous.

Botkins police officers and an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer take out weapons upon arriving on Highland Avenue near its intersection with Lynn Avenue around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. A massive manhunt was underway for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer. The Piqua tactical team arrived with their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle and a helicopter circled the area with its spotlight on. Also responding was the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Center Police. The shot police officer was reportedly alive.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/10/web1_SDN100821PoliceShooting-5.jpgBotkins police officers and an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer take out weapons upon arriving on Highland Avenue near its intersection with Lynn Avenue around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. A massive manhunt was underway for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer. The Piqua tactical team arrived with their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle and a helicopter circled the area with its spotlight on. Also responding was the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Center Police. The shot police officer was reportedly alive. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Ohio State Highway Patrol officers block-off Highland Avenue at its intersection with West North Street while a search was on for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer on Wednesday, Oct. 6.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/10/web1_DSC_3515-5.jpgOhio State Highway Patrol officers block-off Highland Avenue at its intersection with West North Street while a search was on for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/10/web1_DSC_3392-5.jpgLuke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

The Piqua tactical team arrives with their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle during the search for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer. The staging area was near Highland Avenue and Lynn Street on Wednesday, Oct. 6.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/10/web1_DSC_3476-5.jpgThe Piqua tactical team arrives with their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle during the search for a man who reportedly shot a Sidney police officer. The staging area was near Highland Avenue and Lynn Street on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Steele
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/10/Steele_ne202110754147219-3.gifSteele Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Schools close for the day

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