Fatal Over-the-Rhine shooting death of Juan Mack – Obituary
A suspect accused of stabbing a woman was fatally shot by police following a pursuit that ended in a crowded area of Over-the-Rhine on Thursday evening, according to Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge.
The incident began at approximately 7 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a stabbing on Parkcrest Lane. Police indicated that the woman had been stabbed in a car, drove to Parkcrest Lane, and was assisted by a male who called emergency services, reporting multiple stab wounds.
The suspect fled the scene and when officers attempted to pull him over, he accelerated, initiating a chase through several neighborhoods. Chief Theetge reported that during the pursuit, the suspect brandished a firearm at officers on multiple occasions.
The pursuit culminated near the intersection of 12th and Elm Street, where the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, still armed. Surveillance footage captured the suspect walking towards Music Hall with the gun in hand, as officers closed in both on foot and in patrol cars. Pedestrians could be seen entering Music Hall amid the unfolding events.
Chief Theetge stated that officers repeatedly instructed the suspect to drop his weapon, employing non-lethal foam rounds initially, which were unsuccessful. Despite continued commands, the suspect did not comply, prompting officers to open fire, fatally striking him. Four officers discharged their weapons during the incident, but their identities have not been disclosed.
Surveillance video also showed officers urging the suspect to disarm numerous times before the fatal shots were fired.
The deceased suspect was identified as Juan Mack, aged 48. Chief Theetge expressed condolences to Mack’s family, noting that she had personally informed them of the incident’s details. Meanwhile, the woman who was stabbed was transported to UC Hospital in critical condition; detectives have since interviewed her.
While the exact nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victim remains unclear, authorities have described it as “domestic related.”
Theetge emphasized that no civilians or officers sustained injuries during the confrontation, despite ongoing activities at Music Hall at the time.
“I commend our officers for their sound tactical approach,” Chief Theetge praised. “This incident is currently under investigation as per standard protocol.”
President Ken Kober of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #69 released a statement, affirming the officers’ actions as necessary in response to the suspect’s life-threatening behavior.
“Earlier tonight, a man critically injured a woman in a stabbing incident before engaging in a dangerous pursuit with Cincinnati police,” Kober’s statement read. “Despite repeated warnings to disarm, the suspect escalated the situation by aiming his firearm at officers. Our officers, following their training, acted to protect themselves and the public, ultimately preventing further harm.”