Related Coverage Law enforcement agencies show support for fallen Danville officer 
 
 DANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — A Danville police officer was shot and killed overnight in Knox County. 
 
 According to the Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer, Officer Thomas Cottrell was killed in the line of duty late Sunday night. 
 
 Sheriff Shaffer said around 11:20 p.m. Sunday, the Knox County dispatch center received a call stating that police officers in Danville were in danger. The woman told dispatchers that her ex-boyfriend, Herschel Ray Jones had left with weapons and was looking to kill an officer. 
 
 Dispatchers then tried to contact the Danville officer on duty, but were unsuccessful. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office then searched the village. 
 
 Shortly before midnight, deputies found the body of Officer Thomas Cottrell on the ground behind the municipal building. His gun had been taken and his cruiser was missing. 
 
 Investigators say Jones was seen running from a residence on East Washington Street around 1:36 a.m. Monday. After a foot chase, Jones was taken into custody. 
 
 The suspect’s brother, John Jones, told NBC4 he spoke to Herschel Jones minutes before he was taken into custody. He said Herschel had taken a quantity of an anti-anxiety drug called Klonopin. 
 
 “He was out of his mind on drugs,” Jones said. “He already had done what he done. He still didn’t admit it to me though – that’s how far out of his mind he was. He completely went over the edge.” 
 
 John Jones says family members called Herschel’s parole officer last week to report that he had guns and drugs and was at risk of doing something bad. John Jones says nothing was done. 
 
 Jones says his brother had asked judges on several occasions to send him to a mental institution rather than to prison. He says those requests were denied. 
 
 A woman who was outside of the residence was also taken into custody and later released. 
 
 The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident with the help of the Ohio Bureau of Investigation. 
 
 Danville is a village in Knox County with a population of just over 1,000 people. The police department employs six people and Chief Daniel J. Weckesser was appointed to the job on January 4. 
 
 A GoFundMe page has been set up for Cottrell’s family. 
 
 Keep checking NBC4i.com for real-time updates on this story. To get alerts for breaking news, grab the free NBC4 News App for iPhone or Android. You can also sign up for email alerts. 

 DANVILLE, Ohio - Officials say they were warned a gunman was hunting cops in Ohio this weekend, and by Sunday evening they realized the terrible truth behind the warning when they found a bloody hat but no patrol car and no officer. 
 
 Police say a woman in Danville called dispatch Sunday evening around 11:20 p.m. to warn them her ex-boyfriend, identified as 34-year-old Hershel Ray Jones III, was armed and "looking to kill an officer," reports CBS affiliate WBNS-TV in Columbus. 
 
 The woman said officers in the area of Danville, near Columbus, were in danger. 
 
 Dispatchers frantically put out a call and failed to make contact with Danville Officer Thomas Cottrell. Deputies from the Knox County Sheriff's officer were dispatched, but all they turned up initially was a Cottrell's hat with blood on it, and nothing more. 
 
 Their worst fears were later realized 20 minutes later when they Cottrell's body behind the Danville Municipal Building, clearly dead from gunshot wounds. His gun and patrol car had been stolen. 
 
 He was the first officer killed in the state of Ohio in 2016, reports WBNS. 
 
 Jones was tracked down a short while later, and spotted at 1:30 a.m. running out of a house. Police gave chase, and caught him near Danville Park. He has been named as the prime suspect in the murder. 
 
 No charges have been announced yet. 

 A Danville police officer is dead after authorities say a gunman was on the hunt to kill a member of law enforcement. 
 
 Police say dispatchers received a call from a woman in Danville around 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, saying police were in danger because her ex-boyfriend, 32-year-old Herschel Jones, was armed and “looking to kill an officer.” Danville is a small village about 60 miles northeast of Columbus. 
 
 In response, dispatchers tried to make contact with Danville Officer Thomas Cottrell who was on patrol, but were unsuccessful. A statewide alert was issued, and deputies from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office also searched the village, but couldn’t locate the officer. Only Cottrell's hat, which had been covered in blood, was located during the search. 
 
 Around 20 minutes later, Cottrell’s body was found shot to death behind the Danville Municipal Building. His service weapon and cruiser had been stolen. 
 
 Just after 1:30 a.m., the alleged killer was spotted running from a home on East Washington Street. After a foot chase with police, Jones was taken into custody near Danville Park. As of Monday afternoon, he faces a charge of tampering with evidence. 
 
 Court records show Jones has a lengthy criminal record, and in one case tried to claim he was legally insane. 
 
 Officers from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and B.C.I. are investigating the deadly shooting. 
 
 Cottrell’s death marks the first for an officer in the line of duty in Ohio in 2016. 

 Chief of Police 
 
 Daniel J. Weckesser 
 
 Letter From the Chief 
 
 The Danville Police Department experienced many changes during 2016. Upon the retirement of Chief Monte Vance, I was appointed Chief of Police January 04th, 2016. Then on January 17th, 2016 our Department was dramatically affected by the tragic shooting death of Officer Thomas Cottrell Jr. Our small Department could have easily dissolved but through the support and prayers of everyone we continue to slowly recover. The Department has a strengthened commitment to provide the best police protection to our community. We are a dedicated force to all we serve and will continue to do our best to earn your respect and honor. This yearly report is to inform you of statistics and enlighten you as to notable changes in 2016. 
 
 In 2016, K-9 Officer Lasko was officially retired after 10 plus years of service. K-9 Officer TC joined the Department with the certification of K-9 handler Sgt. Lishness. K-9 Officer Diesel was sworn to serve with myself as his handler. Officers Mark Perkins and Joshua Abshire joined the Department and with the certification of Officer Perkins, K-9 Officer Rezza joined as his partner. With the assistance of the Columbus Police Dept. Mounted Unit and the Ohio State University Mounted Unit, Corporal Lisa Lyons helped to form our first Mounted Police Unit which consists of Corporal Lyons, Officer Kevin Henthorn and the two horses “Casino” and “Levi”. The Mounted Patrol will be used for parades, special events, and community outreach. Additionally we intend to initiate a Mounted Search and Rescue Team. 
 
 We purchased a new police cruiser equipped with fresh graphics that are now displayed on all three cruisers. Our Department replaced the outdated computers and the phone system in our office. The new phone system allows the public to make direct contact with an officer or leave a message to any officer as needed. In addition, we managed to update and replace our uniforms. All units received additional training and/or “specialized” training which enhances the officer(s) with additional skills and knowledge in the performance of their duties. 
 
 Looking forward to 2017 and beyond, I would like to assure the Community that the Danville Police Department will continue to provide the best service possible. We work for you, the people. We will strive to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, the laws of the State of Ohio and the Village of Danville. We will not be influenced by anything, anyone, any agencies or organizations who attempt to hinder the performance of our duties as your Police Department. We plan to continue educating and equipping the department in order to provide the best possible service to our community. Continued dialogue with our citizens will help to educate and inform each one of you to the many dangers and types of crime that could possibly affect our community. 
 
 It is our goal to establish a program that will allow officers more one- on- one time with our youth in the schools and in our churches. This program will be created in the memory of our fallen brother, Officer Cottrell. 
 
 Danville is not immune to the impact of illegal drug use. Many people in our community have been affected in some way by the increased drug abuse issues. In 2017, a top priority of our Police Department will be combating the illegal drugs infiltrating our community. Many additional crimes can be alleviated with the eradication of the illegal drugs. We will continue to build community relations by educating the public on protecting themselves and their property from criminal acts. 
 
 Our police department’s office is extremely small, which creates many issues. We are investigating different options for expanding our departmental offices. The goal is to remodel or possibly build a new structure in the future. 
 
 Danville Police Department 
 
 Front L-R 
 
 Cpl. Kevin Henthorn - Sgt. Lisa Lyons - Ofc. Josh Abshire 
 
 Rear L-R Lt. Mark Perkins - Chief Daniel Weckesser - Sgt. Chad Lishness (no longer w/dept) 
 
 K-9 Teams 
 
 Chief of Police Daniel Weckesser & Diesel 
 
 Lieutenant Mark Perkins & Rezza 
 
 Officer John Cox & TC 
 
 Officer John Cox and T.C. were certified in narcotic detection and patrol on 11/2/2017. A special thanks to Mansfield Police Department Police Chief Kenneth Coontz and Sergeant Sarah Mosier for training and certifying John and TC. 
 
 TC is a great dog and I’m am very happy that TC is back on the street serving our great citizens. 
 
 Chief Daniel J. Weckesser Unit-371 
 
 Horse Patrol Team 
 
 Corporal Kevin Henthorn & Levi - Sergeant Lisa Lyons & Casino 
 
 In Memory of Officer Thomas Cottrell 
 
 Officer Cottrell was shot and killed while on duty late Sunday evening January 17, 2016. We salute our fallen brother. 
 
 On behalf of myself and the Danville Police Department, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support during this tragic time. Over the past few weeks, the display of support from not only local communities but nationwide has been overwhelming. Words cannot express how much it has meant to me and my fellow officers who serve this department. We have seen and felt the brotherhood of respect, caring and concern from all law enforcement agencies and first responders. Many sincere condolences have poured in from beyond our small village and your kind words and generosity are very much appreciated.The continued outreach of concern and support for Officer Cottrell’s family through personal giving, volunteering, and honoring him through social media and prayers, have left us without words to truly express our deepest gratitude.Thank you to all agencies involved that coordinated a truly impressive memorial service for Officer Cottrell. We are so grateful for all your assistance. Please continue to remember Officer Cottrell’s family in your hearts and prayers as the void now left in their lives is unimaginable. May God bless and comfort them in their loss. Many thanks to all. 
 
 Police Chief Daniel Weckesser 
 
 Sergeant Chad Lishness 
 
 Corporal Lisa Lyons 
 
 Officer Kevin Henthorn 
 
 Officer Rusty Dreher 
 
 Chief Monte Vance (retired) 
 
 October 12, 2017 at the Ohio Attorney General's Law Enforcement Conference Sgt. Lisa Lyons and Cpl. Kevin Henthorne accepted on the behalf of the Danville Police Department a Memorial Plaque from Ohio's Attorney General Mike DeWine which was given on the behalf of the State of Ohio and Ohio's Law Enforcement honoring the memory of our fallen comrade Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Unit-373 
 
 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 Chief Dan Weckesser and Patrolman Matt Jones (MVPD) at Washington DC Memorial Week May 15, 2017 honoring our fallen brothers and sisters in blue. Chief Dan representing Danville PD in honor of Officer Tom Cottrell. EOW: January 17, 2016 
 
 ________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 Ohio Fallen Officers' Memorial Wall at the Ohio Police Officers' Training Academy London, Ohio - May 04, 2017 
 
 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 Tuesday February 21, 2017 a plaque honoring Officer's Thomas Cottrell's service to the Danville Community was mounted on the outside wall of the Police Station near where the End of Watch came for our brother. A blue light illuminates the plaque. 
 
 On Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 Central Ohio Technical College ‘COTC’ dedicated a permanent memorial on the Newark campus to honor alumni and current students of the Institute for Public Services and Safety who are killed in the line of duty. Danville Police Department’s Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. is the first name permanently added to that memorial. Officer Cottrell was a graduate of COTC. 
 
 Thank you to the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District for presenting to our Department this stone in memory of our fallen brother, Thomas Cottrell. 
 
 Memorial sign erected at entrance on Route 62 at both ends of the Village 
 
 __________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 Pictured L-R Officer Mark Perkins, Tanya Rayburn, Officer Josh Abshire & Sgt. Chad Lishness 
 
 LONDON — Thursday’s ceremony to honor Ohio peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2015 held a close focus on three officers, but the village of Danville and the family of Thomas Cottrell were woven into the fabric of the ceremony. 
 
 The ceremony opened as family members walked through the memorial, past the eternal flame. This included Tanya Rayburn, Cottrell’s life partner, and his daughters, Courtney, Brooklyn and Alycia. His mother, Melissa Osborn, was also in attendance. 
 
 Cottrell will be recognized in the 2017 ceremony when his name will be revealed on the memorial wall. 
 
 The Danville Police Department, represented by Sgt. Chad Lishness and officers Josh Abshire and Mark Perkins, participated in a motorcade that traveled from the Fraternal Order of Police offices in downtown Columbus to the training academy in London prior to the ceremony. 
 
 Read more: Ceremony impact felt locally — Mount Vernon News – Mount Vernon, Ohio http://mountvernonnews.com/story/2016/05/06/ceremony-impact-felt-locally/#ixzz47ujKbLBA 
 
 Danville Police Department was honored to attend the 2016 Law Enforcement Memorial service held May 18, 2016 in Millersburg, Ohio. Officer Tom Cottrell was among the local area fallen officers and K9 Officers that were remembered and honored. Many thanks to Holmes County Sheriff's Office and the Millersburg Police Department for all your support. We appreciate all our fellow police officers, EMS, and firefighters past, present and future. 
 
 On August 27th and September 24th 2016, volleyball teams of Centerburg hosted tri-matches involving Varsity, Jr. Varsity and Middle School volleyball teams from Newark, Granville, Big Walnut and Danville Schools. The Centerburg teams hosted this event for the purpose of raising money thuough sales of 'Back the Blue' t-shirts and the money earned from the t-shirt sales will be donated to the Centerburg Deputies and the Danville Police Department. Representing the Danville Police Department and holding a photo of fallen officer Thomas Cottrell is Officer Kevin Henthorne and Cpl. Lisa Lyons. 
 
 On May, 10, 2016, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office recognized four officers for their actions that resulted in the capture of Herschel Jones III on January 18, 2016. Officers were investigating the shooting death of Danville Police Officer Thomas Cottrell. Jones fled a residence on East Washington Street in Danville and after a foot chase, was arrested a short distance away near the football field. Sheriff David Shaffer presented the Office Citation award to Deputies Kevin Durbin, Lee Eppich, Brandon Minot, and Danville Chief Dan Weckesser (left). The award is for outstanding performance of a difficult task, involving personal risk to the officer’s safety and because of their actions the perpetrator was apprehended. 
 
 The Danville Youth Baseball Association celebrated opening day Saturday April 30th 2016 with a trubute to our fallen brother. 
 
 Thank you to all who came out and endured the rain and cold. It was a very nice tribute to Officer Thomas Cottrell. We are blessed with the community support everyone shows for DPD. Officer Mark Perkins and Tanya caught the opening pitch. Chief Weckesser showed his batting form along with Officer Lyons. 
 
 [Left to Right] Juskie DeVore, Brittany Coon, Kristin Miller, Steve Oster, Chief of Police Daniel Weckesser, Sargent Chad Lishness, K9 Officer T.C., Corporal Lisa Lyons, David Stumbo. 
 
 Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities presented a $5,100 check to the Danville Police Department in support of the K9 division. The donation is a result of the "Imagine the Possibilities 5K/1 Mile fundraising walk/run hosted this past August 2016. 
 
 K-9 'Diesel' was officially sworn in as DPD's newest officer on Aug. 01st. 2016. Diesel is a 2 1/2 yr old Belgian Malanois and is certified in narcotic detection, tracking persons and criminal apprehension. Diesel's handler is Chief of Police Daniel J. Weckesser. Both are State of Ohio K-9 certified. 
 
 Chief Weckesser and his staff want to thank all the businesses and individuals of Danville, Knox County and outside Knox County who gave contributions in making it possible to purchase Diesel and pay for the required training to be State of Ohio certified. 
 
 2016 Memorial Day Parade 
 
 Cpl. Lisa Lyons holding check received from Troop 2760 to help purchase new K-9. A big thank you to Troop 2760 for your donation of $1,500! 
 
 Mayor Robert L. Dile administers Oath of Office to two of DPD newest officers on Feb 12, 2016. Left to right: Officer Josh Abshire, Officer Mark Perkins, Mayor Dile. 
 
 October 2016 DPD reveals its new cruiser graphics. 
 
 Mayor Robert L. Dile appointed Daniel J. Weckesser as the Department's new Chief of Police January 04, 2016 
 
 “I’m excited. Hopefully, I will do what needs to be done,” Chief Weckesser said. “I will do the best I can for the community and try to make the place safer for everybody who lives here.”Daniel J. Weckesser was born in Orrville, Ohio then lived in Minnesota for 10 years before his family moved to the Danville area. The 1983 graduate of Danville High School started his career in law enforcement as an auxiliary officer for the Danville Police Department in 2003. In 2006, he was hired as a part-time officer. Chief Weckesser became a fulltime officer in 2009, getting promoted to sergeant in 2011 and to lieutenant in 2014. Chief Weckesser is the Department's K9 officer, working with Lasko for the last six years. He is also an ALICE instructor and certified as a Crisis Intervention Technician. 
 
 Retired Officers 
 
 Chief of Police Monte L. Vance 
 
 Retired 10/31/2015 
 
 Chief Vance started his career in law enforcement as a Knox County Special Deputy in 1982 for the Knox County Sheriff's Department and was hired as patrol officer for Danville Police September 1984. Chief Vance rose to the rank of Police Sergeant and then Police Captain and was appointed Chief of Police in July 1999. Chief Vance will continue to be a commissioned officer with the department in our auxiliary division. 
 
 Our Prayer 
 
 When we start our tour of service, God wherever crime may be, as we patrol these streets alone; may we be close to thee. Please give us understanding with both young and old, let us listen with attention; until their story is told. Let us never make a judgment in an inconsiderate or callous way, please help us hold our patience; let each one have their say. Lord, if some dark and dreary night one of us must give our life, Lord, with Your everlasting love; protect the loved ones in our life. Amen. 
 
 DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT 
 
 The Mission of the Danville Police Department is to protect lives and property, safeguard our citizens rights and liberties, deter and reduce crime and increase safety by providing quality public service and professional and responsibly aggressive law enforcement services in partnership with our community. Danville Police Department is going to be a highly aggressive pro-active police department. 
 
 Chief Daniel John Weckesser Unit-371 
 
 The department's dispatch number is 740-397-3333. 
 
 The department's office number is 740-599-6888. 
 
 In case of EMERGENCY call 911. 
 
 Do you have information to pass on that may lead to solving a local crime or information on crimes being commited in your neighborhood that needs to come to the attention of the police department or have information of drug activity or any other type of illegal activity in your neighborhood, 
 
 You can either call or email Police Chief Daniel J. Weckesser (email) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
 
 All tips and or information will be considered as confidential. 
 
 • Danville Neighborhood Watch 
 
 Like us on Facebook: • Facebook 

 Play Facebook 
 
 Twitter 
 
 Embed Ohio Police Officer Found Dead With Gun and Cruiser Missing 0:50 autoplay autoplay Copy this code to your website or blog 
 
 A police officer was found dead in Ohio with his gun and cruiser missing, authorities said early Monday. 
 
 The Ohio State Highway Patrol had deployed extra units and aviation resources after the Danville officer was reported missing and possibly wounded late Sunday. 
 
 Related: Gunned Down in America: When Cops Are the Victims 
 
 Officer Thomas Cottrell was found dead without his service weapon or cruiser just before midnight, according to the Knox County Sheriff's department. 
 
 It said dispatchers had received a tip-off from a female caller that Danville cops "were in danger" because her ex-boyfriend Herschel Jones had "left with weapons and was looking to kill an officer." 
 
 Dispatchers tried to reach the officer but were unsuccessful, the sheriff's office added. Sheriff's deputies searched the village of Danville and found Cottrell's body behind a municipal building 27 minutes after the initial call. 
 
 The officer had been shot dead, according to NBC station WCMH. 
 
 Jones was taken into custody following a "foot chase" at around 1:36 a.m. after he was seen "running from a residence," the sheriff's office said. 
 
 Herschel Jones III. Knox County Sheriff's Office 
 
 It was not immediately clear if Jones had been charged with any crime or if Cottrell's weapon and cruiser had been recovered. 
 
 Jones has a lengthy criminal record and has tried to claim he was legally insane in one case. According to Knox County court records, he was charged in several cases with breaking and entering, burglary, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon. 
 
 He pleaded not guilty to a 2011 case by reason of insanity, but later changed his plea to guilty. 
 
 Jones served nearly four years in prison according to Ohio prison records, after he was convicted in 2011 for receiving stolen property and illegal possession of chemicals. He was released in April 2015. 
 
 Cottrell was one of six officers in the Danville Police Department, according to the force's website. 
 
 Prayers for Ohio's first fallen officer for 2016 a Danville PD Officer was shot/killed this evening in Knox County. pic.twitter.com/s0gW5nKYqS -Chief Jim Gilbert (@CHIEFGILBERT1) January 18, 2016 
 
 Jay McDonald, President of Ohio's Fraternal Order of Police said in a statement Monday morning that the organization was "devastated" by Cottrell's death. 
 
 "His assassination is the latest reminder of how dangerous police work is and how the police are targeted for violence. The 25,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio will never forget that Officer Cottrell gave his life in the service of others," McDonald said. 

 Notice 
 
 You must log in to continue. 

 A man with a long criminal record who'd reportedly planned to target cops was arrested Monday in the shooting death of an Ohio police officer. 
 
 
 
 Danville Officer Thomas Cottrell was gunned down shortly before midnight behind the Danville Municipal Building, Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer said. His service weapon and cruiser were missing. Cottrell's cruiser was later found approximately half a mile from his body. 
 
 
 
 The suspected gunman, Herschel Ray Jones III, was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. after he briefly ran from officers. Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville says he expects Jones to face a murder charge, but it's not clear how soon it would be filed. 
 
 Court records show Jones, 32, has multiple convictions dating back to 2001 for breaking and entering, burglary, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon. In a 2011 case, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity before changing his plea to guilty. Ohio prison records show he served nearly four years for the 2011 convictions of receiving stolen property and possession of chemicals for manufacture of drugs. He was released last April. 
 
 
 
 Shaffer said authorities received a call at approximately 11:20 p.m. from a woman saying police officers in Danville were in danger, and her ex-boyfriend, Jones, had weapons and was looking to kill an officer. 
 
 Shaffer said dispatchers tried to make contact with Cottrell, but were unable to do so. That prompted the Knox County Sheriff's Office to search the village. 
 
 
 
 Franklin County Sheriff Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert confirmed the officer's death on social media. 
 
 Prayers for Ohio's first fallen officer for 2016 a Danville PD Officer was shot/killed this evening in Knox County. pic.twitter.com/s0gW5nKYqS — Chief Jim Gilbert (@CHIEFGILBERT1) January 18, 2016 
 
 The president of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police called Cottrell's killing an assassination. 
 
 "We ask all Ohioans to pray for peace and healing for Officer Cottrell's family, friends and co-workers," Jay McDonald said in a written statement. 
 
 "His assassination is the latest reminder of how dangerous police work is and how the police are targeted for violence," McDonald said. 
 
 The village of Danville, which has a population of around 1,000 people, is located 60 miles northeast of Columbus. 
 
 Calls to numbers listed to Jones or family members in Knox County rang answered or were not in service Monday. An autopsy on Cottrell was expected for Tuesday. 
 
 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
– An Ohio man with a long rap sheet was taken into custody early Monday after a Danville cop was found shot dead and his police cruiser and gun missing, NBC News reports. Officer Thomas Cottrell was on duty late Sunday when a disturbing call came into the Knox County dispatch center around 11:20pm, per WCMH: A woman told dispatchers her ex had left with weapons and was looking to kill a police officer. After trying to contact Cottrell by radio, sheriff's officers went out in search of him, first finding Cottrell's bloody hat, per WBNS—and then his body, just before midnight behind a municipal building. Cottrell, one of six officers in the tiny Danville PD, had been shot to death, and his body was found without his gun or cruiser. The cruiser was later found a half-mile away, reports Fox News. Herschel Jones was seen sprinting from a residence about an hour and a half later and was briefly pursued by cops on foot and taken into custody. Per CBS News, Jones has been named the prime suspect in the killing, but it's unclear whether Jones—charged previously for breaking and entering, burglary, and carrying a concealed weapon, among other infractions—has been charged, NBC notes. He was jailed for four years after a 2011 conviction for receiving stolen property and illegal possession of chemicals. Meanwhile, Danville mourns one of its men in blue. "[Our] members … are heartbroken this morning as we learn about the tragic murder of Officer Thomas Cottrell," reads a Monday morning post on the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio's Facebook page. "His assassination is the latest reminder of how dangerous police work is and how the police are targeted for violence." (This case sounds nothing like a recent police shooting in Illinois.)