Twinsburg police officer killed in the line of duty

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Monday that a Twinsburg police officer had been killed in the line of duty.

From the story:

On Sunday, [suspect Ashford] Thompson was arrested without incident at a Cambridge Drive home where he used to live, Bedford Heights Police Chief Tim Kalavsky said.

...They arrested him at 2:41 a.m., less than an hour after police say [police officer Joshua] Miktarian - a K-9 officer who had worked midnight shifts since 1997 - stopped Thompson's car for loud music and suspected driving under the influence.

Two minutes into the traffic stop, Miktarian radioed for help, police said. Almost simultaneously, a 9-1-1 caller reported loud shouting and "pop" sounds.

A minute later, police dispatch radioed Miktarian, but there was no response.

He was pronounced dead at MetroHealth Medical Center at 2:48 a.m., a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds to the head, according to the Cuyahoga County coroner.

Miktarian, 33, was the first officer killed in the line of duty in the department's 56-year history.

News reports have indicated that Thompson had been issued an Ohio concealed handgun license, and his attorney has asserted a self-defense claim.

Buckeye Firearms Association has placed calls the Twinsburg police department, which refused to answer any questions, and the Summit County Prosecutor's office, which has not returned a phone call.

We will continue to watch for and gather additional information and will report as additional facts become known.