MORROW COUNTY, Ohio — The tragic death of Morrow County Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Sherrer serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic calls, situations that can escalate without warning and turn deadly in an instant.
What You Need To Know
- Domestic-related calls are among the most dangerous for law enforcement, as they often involve unpredictable emotions, aggression and potential violence
- Deputy Daniel Sherrer was killed while responding to a domestic situation in Morrow County, highlighting the real and immediate risks officers face in such volatile environments
- Experts stress the importance of de-escalation and situational awareness, though even well-trained officers remain vulnerable in high-stress domestic incidents
Sherrer was fatally shot while responding to what authorities described as a “domestic situation.” Officials have clarified that, while the term may suggest domestic violence, not all domestic calls are categorized that way. However, such calls are often volatile and unpredictable.
The man accused in Sherrer’s death, Brian Wilson, has a known criminal history involving domestic violence and firearms-related convictions. In some instances, officers may be able to check the background of individuals involved before arriving on scene. But more often than not, law enforcement enters these situations with limited information, and a lot of risk.
“Domestic calls are probably the worst call a police officer can be asked to respond to,” said Tim Dimoff, a national expert in police procedures and security and a former law enforcement officer. “There’s so much aggression, violence and emotion in these calls, and people can be very unpredictable.”
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, domestic-related incidents are among the leading causes of injury and death for officers in the line of duty.
This is why officials said de-escalation tactics are so critical. Officers are trained to defuse tensions, protect everyone involved, and, when necessary, step back and call for additional support.
“They’re trained to observe the actions of individuals and to listen carefully to the verbiage being used,” Dimoff explained.
Despite that training, the dangers remain. As the events in Morrow County painfully demonstrate, even a call that seems routine can turn tragic in moments.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading the investigation into the events surrounding Deputy Sherrer’s death as the community mourns the loss of one of its own.
