HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A Highland County deputy has pled not guilty to charges related to a 2022 fatal officer-involved shooting. Jonathan Malone was charged with reckless homicide charge in connection with the shooting that resulted in the death of 58-year-old Richard Poulin.
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, police claim that Poulin failed to comply with deputies’ attempts to pull him over for a traffic violation at approximately 2 a.m. that morning. Deputies reportedly deployed stop sticks to halt Poulin’s vehicle. Poulin was later fatally shot near 5760 Route 62 in Hillsboro.
Malone appeared in court on Thursday where he entered his plea, despite initial reports from his attorney, Josh Engle, stating he planned to plead no contest in exchange for probation.
Malone is accused of accidentally firing his weapon while ordering Poulin out of his car following a traffic stop and high-speed chase.
Prosecutors and the defense were unable to reach a final deal, resulting in the change of plea.