FINDLAY, Ohio – The Hancock County Prosecutor's Office has officially closed the investigation related to the October 2024 officer-involved shooting incident at Bernard Park, which resulted in the death of 17-year-old Kalvin Darapheth. Prosecutor Sean Abbott announced the conclusion following a thorough review of evidence and findings from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
According to Prosecutor Abbott, the application of deadly force by Findlay Police Officer Kyle Bormuth was found to be “objectively reasonable under the circumstances” as established by previous case law including Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor. Abbott's office conducted extensive fact-finding after the tragic shooting incident.
The series of events unfolded on October 28, 2024, when police received reports of minors allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages at Bernard Park located at 1105 Bernard Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered three teenagers, including Darapheth, who immediately fled the scene on foot when approached by law enforcement. During the chase, Darapheth reportedly fired two shots at Officer Bormuth, who responded by firing back, hitting Darapheth four times.
“After careful review of all the facts and evidence, I concluded there was just cause for Officer Bormuth's actions,” Abbott stated. The incident escalated rapidly as Darapheth, during the crime scene search, was found to have fired three additional rounds after Bormuth returned fire. Although the body camera footage did not capture the visuals of this last series of shots, the audio recorded the gunfire, and subsequent evidence revealed additional shell casings at the scene.
Following the shooting, Darapheth was treated on-site and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital before being airlifted to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. Abbott confirmed the firearm used by Darapheth was reported stolen just weeks prior to the incident on September 19, 2024.
Missing from the public eye was the engagement of the community following this tragic event, which raised questions surrounding police conduct. “This case is now closed, and we see this as justified under the law,” Abbott added, addressing the community’s concerns.
The Prosecutor's Office firmly stated there will be no presentation of this case to the Hancock County grand jury, officially marking the conclusion of the investigation.
This incident highlights the serious nature of law enforcement encounters involving firearms, especially when involving young individuals. Advocates for both police accountability and community safety continue to voice their opinions about the balance between law enforcement duties and the protection of civilian lives.
Meanwhile, Findlay Police Department has maintained transparency throughout this process, encouraging public awareness on the use of body cameras. Body-worn camera footage of the incident is available for public viewing, showing the real-time narrative of events leading to the confrontation.
Community leaders continue to call for open dialogues on police matters and advocate for improved measures concerning youth engagement and safety awareness. The conclusion of this case may lead to community discussions aimed at preventing similar incidents.
Local advocacy groups have expressed their sorrow for the loss of life and raised concerns about the paths leading youths to life-threatening decisions. Darapheth's case serves as a call for reflection on how communities engage their youth and the necessary dialogues around law enforcement practices.
With the case now closed, the Findlay community must navigate the difficult aftermath of this tragedy, ensuring respect for the deceased and support for both police and civil society initiatives moving forward.