Officer escapes injury after gun struggle in New Philadelphia
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 14, 2026) — A New Philadelphia police detective narrowly avoided injury this morning after a suspect wrestled away his firearm and fired at him during an arrest attempt and scuffle involving three officers.
Captain Rocky Dusenberry says the incident occurred around 8 a.m. behind apartments on East High Avenue near the airport. Officers had initially responded to reports of a suspicious person in the area. When questioned, the man gave a fake name and then attempted to flee and became combative when police learned of his identity.
Dusenberry says the suspect, described as a man in his mid-20s with local ties, was wanted for a pair of armed robberies in Stark County from Tuesday night and for a parole violation. After the struggle, police were able to apprehend him and transport him to the Tuscarawas County Jail. His name has not yet been released.
The suspect could now face multiple charges in both Tuscarawas and Stark counties.
Further details are expected later today.