×

Shooting tragedy impacts so many

The names Dakota Wetzel, Rosalie Martin and Joseph Como will be forever linked. On a frigid but sunny Wednesday afternoon, a very troubled Como engaged police near a busy patch of the Calcutta retail area.

Shots were fired. Two died including a precious 4-year-old child.

Wetzel is a St. Clair Township police detective who responded to a report of a possibly suicidal male walking down a street. Police tried to talk to Como. But he almost immediately opened fire. Just last month we reported on a domestic incident involving Como and family members. According to a Dec. 29 Wellsville Police report, his mother stated that Joseph had schizophrenia. She said he had not taken his medicine in weeks.

Det. Wetzel suffered a head wound and is in stable condition as this was being written. Surgery was done at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Afterward, Det. Wetzel opened his eyes and gave a thumbs-up. He likely faces a long recovery road. But, thankfully, he did survive. God bless him.

Rosalie Martin was the youngster shot by a stray bullet. According to a shooting witness conveyed to us, police were facing the shooter with their backs to the dental office — where the little girl was shot. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal of Investigation is handling the case. We will provide details when we get them.

Our sympathies pour out for the families of Dakota Wetzel, Rosalie Martin and Joseph Como. Goodness, how devastating this must be for that child’s family. The ache must be unbearable. God bless her soul.

Newspapers wish there were no shootings of any kind to report. But it is certainly our duty to do so when something occurs. Especially when it involves public servants in public settings. Especially tasked with providing accuracy in a world filled with social media rumors and innuendos. Some often downright vicious. We will continue to report on such hard news events while being sensitive to all parties — victims, if you will. We get our facts straight.

And to all of those our there with children, grandchildren, young nieces and nephews, give them all an extra big hug. Because you just never know. Also, never take our law enforcement officers for granted. They put themselves in harm’s way every time they report to work. It’s all about respect and shame on anyone who think otherwise. If you would like to help out: The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio is accepting tax-deductible gifts to the foundation. Donations may be made at https://unionly.io/o/fopohfoundation/fopohfoundation.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today