A series of recent events has sparked intense scrutiny in Cincinnati, Ohio. On May 1, 2025, Cincinnati police were involved in a fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was reportedly armed and fleeing at the time of the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation, with potential implications for the city’s use of force policies.
Circumstances of the Shooting
According to reports, Ryan Hinton was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer during the investigation of a stolen vehicle. The details leading to the shooting are as follows:
1. Stolen Vehicle Investigation: Police were investigating a stolen vehicle when they encountered Ryan Hinton.
2. Pursuit: Hinton fled from the vehicle, prompting officers to pursue him.
3. Gun Recovered: A firearm was recovered at the scene; however, there is no evidence to suggest that Hinton fired the gun.
4. Pointing Gun at Officers: Police allege that Hinton pointed the gun at officers, which resulted in the shooting.
5. Body Camera Footage: The footage from the body cameras shows an officer firing multiple times while Hinton appeared to be running away.
6. Injuries: Hinton was struck by two bullets, one in the chest and one in the arm.
If a citizen in Cincinnati were to fire multiple shots at someone who appeared to be running away, they could face serious legal consequences. The specific charges would depend on the circumstances and the laws of Ohio.
Felony Charges: The individual could face felony charges, such as attempted murder or felonious assault, which carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Charges: Depending on the situation, the individual might also face misdemeanor charges, such as menacing or assault. These could lead to fines, probation, or jail time.
In Ohio, using force in self-defense or defense of others is governed by specific laws. To avoid legal charges, the individual must demonstrate that their actions were justified under these laws.
Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.05: This law outlines the requirements for self-defense, including the duty to retreat and the use of reasonable force.
Castle Doctrine: Ohio’s Castle Doctrine (Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.09) allows individuals to use deadly force in certain circumstances, such as in their own home or vehicle, without a duty to retreat.
The officer involved in the shooting may face a range of charges depending on the findings of the investigation and the specific circumstances of the case.
1. Involuntary Manslaughter: If the officer’s actions are considered reckless or negligent, they could be charged with involuntary Manslaughter.
2. Felony Murder: In extreme situations, if the officer’s conduct is found to be particularly egregious, they might face charges of felony murder.
3. Assault or Battery: The officer could be charged with assault or battery if their actions are deemed excessive or unjustified.
4. Manslaughter: If the investigation concludes that the officer’s actions were reckless or negligent but not premeditated, they may face charges of Manslaughter.
The investigation must determine whether the officer’s actions, including adherence to proper protocols and procedures, were justified under the law.
Use of Force Laws: Ohio law governs the use of force by law enforcement officers, and the investigation will assess whether the officer’s actions were in line with these regulations.
Departmental Policies: The officer’s conduct will also be evaluated according to departmental policies and procedures, including those related to using force, de-escalation, and crisis management.
Ultimately, the charges will depend on the case’s specific facts and the investigation’s findings. Depending on the findings, the officer could face charges ranging from involuntary Manslaughter to felony murder or even assault or battery.
Although the body camera footage is somewhat blurry, it does show Hinton with a gun. However, the quality of the footage raises questions about whether he specifically aimed the gun at the officers.
The following day, a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy was struck and killed by a vehicle near the University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony. Rodney Hinton Jr. was subsequently charged in connection with the deputy’s death.
At Hinton Jr.’s arraignment, a judge determined that he would be held without bond because he was deemed a high risk to the community. According to reports, over 30 deputies attended the arraignment in support of the fallen officer, while courtroom access was reportedly limited for any family or community members.
During the bond hearing, defense attorneys for Hinton Jr. argued for his release, citing his lack of prior criminal arrests or convictions and strong ties to the community. However, the judge ruled that Hinton Jr. would be held without bond due to the severity of the charges and the potential risk he poses to the community. If convicted, Hinton Jr. faces severe penalties, including up to life in prison or the death penalty.
Examining the Cincinnati Police Department’s Use of Force Policies and Procedures
The recent fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton by the Cincinnati police has prompted renewed scrutiny of the department’s use of force policies and procedures. As the investigation into the incident continues, examining the department’s guidelines and training practices is essential to ensure that such incidents are minimized and that officers are better equipped to handle similar situations.
Use of Force Continuum
The Cincinnati Police Department’s 12.545 USE OF FORCE policy clearly outlines the use of force continuum. This policy provides guidelines for officers to follow when using force in various situations, ensuring that the force applied is objectively reasonable. The continuum includes levels of subject resistance, such as uncooperative behavior, active resistance, assault or threat of assault, and life-threatening assault.
Force Option
The policy lists various force options available to officers, including officer presence, verbal skills, TASER/chemical irritants, escort techniques, hard hands, and deadly force. Officers are trained to use de-escalation techniques, such as non-confrontational verbal skills, empathy, and active listening, to stabilize individuals in crisis and reduce the potential need for force.
Accountability Measures
The department has established accountability measures, including the duty to report use-of-force incidents and citizen allegations of excessive force. Supervisors are responsible for investigating these incidents and ensuring officers are accountable for their actions.
Historical Context
Understanding the use of force policies and procedures in Cincinnati requires a broader historical context of policing in the United States. The legacy of Black Code laws, enacted during the Reconstruction era to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans, continues to influence contemporary society. Racial disparities in policing—such as stops, searches, arrests, and use of force—remain persistent issues.
Racial Disparities in Policing
Research has shown that racial disparities in policing are a national concern, with African Americans more likely to encounter the use of force during police interactions. The Cincinnati Police Department must acknowledge and address these disparities, working to build trust and promote cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
The Cincinnati Police Department has taken necessary steps to address concerns about racial disparities in policing, building on its history of collaborative efforts. Here are some key initiatives:
Cincinnati Collaborative Agreement: Established in 2002, this agreement aims to improve police-community relations by fostering partnerships, building trust, and ensuring fair treatment. The ACLU of Ohio is vital in implementing and promoting this agreement.
Community Problem-Solving: The department engages in initiatives that promote proactive partnerships between police officers and community members to tackle issues and enhance relationships.
Education and Oversight: The department prioritizes education, oversight, and monitoring to enhance accountability and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals.
Traffic Stop Data Analysis: The RAND Corporation has developed a framework for analyzing traffic stop data to identify racial bias. This analysis helps uncover potential disparities and informs necessary policy changes.
Restorative Practices: There is a growing call for the Cincinnati Public Schools to implement restorative practices and dissolve their contract with the Cincinnati Police Department to address racial disparities in school discipline better.
Potential Future Directions:
1. Reforming Use of Force Guidelines: Modifying the use of force guidelines, training, and accountability measures may help alleviate concerns regarding racial disparities in policing.
2. Prioritizing Student Mental Health: Investing in student mental health and support services can reduce the need for police intervention in schools.
3. Community Engagement: Ongoing community engagement and outreach efforts are essential for building trust and promoting cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Police Department’s use of force policies and procedures ensure that officers employ the minimum force necessary to resolve situations safely. However, the recent fatal shooting of Ryan Hinton underscores the critical need for ongoing training and accountability measures. By closely examining the department’s policies and procedures, we can strive to create a more just and equitable system for all community members.
The investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and officials are committed to providing more information to the public as it becomes available. As more details emerge, this story will continue to unfold.
Photos Credit: Amberly R Taylor
