In the afternoon hours of July 11, 2023, the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office and Byesville Police Department were dispatched to a residence on North 9th Street in Byesville regarding an individual making suicidal threats. Law enforcement officers made verbal contact with the individual, identified as Jeremiah Wise, 33. After several hours of negotiations with the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team, Wise exited the residence while continuing to interact with officers. He then brandished a firearm in the direction of law enforcement and was shot. Wise was provided medical attention and was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation was requested to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting. BCI’s investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the investigation will be referred to the Guernsey County Prosecutor’s Office. At the conclusion of the case, the investigation will be posted to the Attorney General’s website.
Any media inquiries may be directed to Steve Irwin, the Attorney General’s press secretary, at 614-955-8844.
