West Chester, Ohio — On June 4, 2026, at approximately 9:49 p.m., West Chester Police officers responded to a third-party 911 call, reporting a woman screaming for help and loud banging inside an apartment. A neighbor indicated a female may have been thrown down stairs during a physical fight. Officers made contact through the door with 39-year-old Lorenzo Miller, who claimed it was only an argument and refused to open up. Dispatch advised of prior police runs at the address involving Miller and a 31-year old female resident, noting Miller was on an ankle monitor and considered extremely dangerous with a history involving weapons, drugs, and gangs. After unsuccessful attempts to reach the female resident, officers made phone and text contact, she indicated she needed help and later texted “Help,” prompting officers to determine exigent circumstances existed. Officers used a ram to force entry around 10:18 p.m., announced themselves, and moved upstairs toward the sound of a female screaming. At a partially closed bathroom door on the upper level, Miller was heard stating he had a knife to the female’s neck and ordering officers not to rush in. An officer entered the bathroom, discharged a firearm once, and struck Miller. Officers immediately rendered aid, including CPR, while paramedics responded. Miller was pronounced deceased on scene at 10:53 p.m. The female resident was removed from the apartment, reported injuries including to her arm, ribs, neck, and other areas, and later told investigators Miller had assaulted her, held a knife to her throat, and instructed her on what to say to police. The woman was taken to West Chester Hospital and released. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted an independent review of the officer-involved critical incident at the request of West Chester Police. On June 16, 2026, Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser announced that the grand jury determined the officers’ actions in the June 4, 2026, West Chester incident involving Lorenzo Miller were legally justified. The grand jury declined to return any indictments, clearing the involved officers of criminal wrongdoing. No charges were filed against them.
