TOLEDO, Ohio — A Lucas County grand jury has determined no charges are necessary for the Toledo police officer who shot an armed man in downtown Toledo in October. The jury also indicted the man shot, Darnell Peppers, on multiple charges.
"With regard to the investigation into the shooting of Darnell Peppers by Officer Patrick Fischer, the Grand Jury finds that no further investigation is necessary," court documents read.
The jury indicted Peppers, 23, on one charge each of carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest and obstructing official business.
Body camera footage was shown in a press conference a week after the Oct. 26 shooting and Toledo police chief Michael Troendle discussed details of the shooting.
The incident began when officers noticed Peppers along Cherry Street near Vistula Manor Thursday afternoon and noted he was wearing an unusual amount of clothing for a warm day, Troendle said. They then noticed a bulge in his hoodie pocket that looked like a weapon, the chief said.
Officers were concerned because Peppers was walking toward a crowded bus stop, the chief said. Officers also were concerned about a man with a gun downtown on a weekday when there are typically many people on city streets, Troendle said.
When officers attempted to stop Peppers to talk to him, he ran, police said.
A brief foot pursuit continued to Orange and North Superior streets, in front of the Blade building.
An officer yelled that Peppers had a weapon and ordered him to get down on the ground. Peppers then turned toward the officer with the gun in his hand and Fischer shot him, grazing his thigh.
Officers found a Ruger 9mm gun on Peppers, Troendle said. The gun was loaded with 17 rounds, one of which was in the chamber, he said.