Dayton cop shoots man who he says pointed a gun at him

Associated Press

DAYTON

A police officer shot and killed a man who he says pointed a gun at him as he was responding to a 911 hang-up call, police said Monday.

John Smelko, 40, was shot when officers went to his home after receiving the 911 call late Sunday, Dayton police Chief Richard Biehl said at a news conference. Police say Smelko partially opened the door with one hand concealed and told the officer he had a gun.

Officer Raymond Dine told Smelko to show his hands and drop the gun, before Smelko pointed the weapon at Dine through an opening in the door, according to police. The officer then fired one shot at Smelko, who died at the scene, Biehl said.

Police say a woman was in the home. They believe she may have made the 911 call, Assistant Chief Robert Chabali said after the news conference.

Biehl and Chabali said investigators do not know why Smelko pointed a gun at the officer.