Ohio corrections officer fatally shot in training accident

SCIOTO COUNTY, OH (WOWK) – A Southern Ohio Correctional Facility staff member has died after an accident at a training academy.

According to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith, Corrections Officer Lt. Rodney Osborne was fatally shot during a training exercise at the Corrections Training Academy. Chambers-Smith says Osborne, a 13-year SOCF employee, was a member of their honor guard, SRT and the statewide STAR team.

Osborne had also been named the employee of the year by his SOCF family just last week, according to Chambers-Smith.

Chambers-Smith says the incident “appears to have been a tragic accident” and that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating. The OSHP Member Support Team and ODRC Employee Support Teams are also working with the SOCF staff during this time.

“We ask that you keep Lt. Osborne’s wife, children, loved ones, and team members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Chambers-Smith said.

To honor Lt. Osborne, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered all United States and State of Ohio flags at ODRC facilities to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on the day of Osborne’s funeral. There is no word on arrangements at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.