Probe of death while in custody continues

STAFF REPORT

EAST LIVERPOOL — A man placed in a police car with his hands handcuffed behind his back apparently was able to kill himself with a hidden pistol.

Columbiana County Prosecutor Robert Herron and Sheriff Ray Stone said Monday the investigation is continuing into the death of Jason E. Miller, 38, of East Liverpool.

Because the shooting involved St. Clair Township officers, the investigation was turned over to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff’s officials were called in after Miller was able to shoot himself with a .357-caliber handgun after being placed in a cruiser about 8 p.m. Saturday.

Two township police officers, who have not been identified, went to look at a jacket Miller was holding when he was arrested on a warrant. The officers claimed to have patted Miller down and found no weapon.

They then took the jacket from him to search it, hancuffed him with his hands behind his back and placed him in the cruiser.

Herron and Stone said it appeared that Miller was able to twist his body to the point he was able to fire a shot into himself.

The county coroner’s office and the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation are also investigating.

Miller had 14 traffic, criminal and other cases previously in East Liverpool Municipal Court, but no major charges. His birthday falls next week.

Herron said his office knew of Miller and his struggle with drugs.

“He had a troubled life,” the prosecutor said.