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Man shot by police sought money from family

Todd Williamson, 41, of Springfield, who was shot by a Springfield police officer Monday, Nov. 16, after he lunged at an officer with a knife during an investigation into a domestic argument, according to Springfield Police.

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Springfield Police are investigating a shooting in the 500 block of Rebecca Drive Monday, Nov. 16. The shooting reportedly occurred about 6:30 a.m., police said, and no suspects are in custody.

Staff photo by Marshall Gorby Springfield Police are investigating a shooting in the 500 block of Rebecca Drive Monday, Nov. 16. The shooting reportedly occurred about 6:30 a.m., police said, and no suspects are in custody.

By Valerie Lough and Megan Gildow
Staff Writer Updated 2:33 PM Tuesday, November 17, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — One man is dead following an officer-involved shooting on Rebecca Drive early Monday, Nov. 16.

A 41-year-old man was shot once in the chest during a confrontation with officers shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, Springfield Police Division Chief Stephen Moody said.

The man was identified by the Clark County Coroner’s office as Todd A. Williamson, 41, of 1708 W. North St., according to court records.

Police responded to 535 Rebecca Drive on a report of an assault at the residence, Moody said.

“There was a standoff (with police) in the garage, this individual was armed with a knife,” said Moody. “He lunged at one of the officers several times. ... At one point he came within striking distance of the officer.”

The man had come to the residence seeking money from relatives.

“There’s an indication that he made a statement in the home that if he didn’t get any money, he was going to kill,” Moody said.

One officer fired the shot, Moody said. Williamson was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center, Fountain Avenue campus, where he was pronounced dead.

Williamson has faced criminal charges in the past, as recently as an August incident in which he allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed three people, according to Clark County court records. He also pleaded not guilty or no contest in 2001 to charges of robbery and aggravated burglary at 535 Rebecca Drive, the same home where Monday’s shooting occurred.

Robin Jobe, who lives near the Rebecca Drive home, said she heard an argument in the garage.

“I heard arguing and then a shot,” she said.

Moody declined to reveal the names of the officers involved. He said one is a nine-year veteran and the other is a 17-year veteran of the police division. Both have been placed on paid administrative leave, he said.

Early reports indicated that the man had a gun, but investigators didn’t find a firearm, said Moody.

Moody said Williamson was related to the residents of the home, but declined to elaborate.

Andrew McGinn and Megan Gildow  contributed to this report.

Other shootings

Monday’s incident marks the second fatal shooting this year involving local law enforcement. On Jan. 22, Clark County sheriff’s deputies shot Donald L. White, 44, in Huber Heights after White shot a man in the parking lot of the Springfield Applebee’s.

In 2008, Springfield police were involved in two fatal, officer-involved shootings:

• March 5 — Nathan L. Howard, 31, of New Carlisle, was shot after he allegedly pointed a gun at police after a car chase.

• Oct. 4 — Elizabeth Thompson, 48, was shot outside her West High Street home after reportedly pointing a gun at police.

Other law enforcement-involved shootings:

• April 2007: Oscar Lewis died after being shot by Springfield Police Officer Donald Bartolet after a police chase.

• 2004: Bradley Roberts was shot by Springfield Police Officer Jerry Montico after a police chase.

• 2003: Then-Clark County Deputy Rick Brumfield shot Justin Martin after Martin pointed a gun at him.

• 1992: Wilton F. Schuyler was shot by Sgt. Mike Hatfield following a burglary.

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In April 2007 our loved one Oscar Lewis was shot by Officer Bartolet. Oscar, however didn't pull a knife or a gun on the officer who fired the shot that killed him. We miss Oscar deeply and believe that it was God's way of telling us that his time on Earth had to expire. We hold no grudges against the officer who shot and killed Oscar, for we believe that he was merely doing his job as he was trained to do so. Possibly, the situation could've been handled differently other than death.

Lewis Family
5:49 PM, 11/18/2009

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what about the girlfriend in the white car (leslie) she's quite a problem to society too but always seems to get out of it. she finally needs to go to prison!

mandy
10:17 AM, 11/18/2009

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His case was dismissed from the stabbings, not sure why. Sounds like a bunch of bullsh*t to me. You stab 3 people and you are let go to roam the streets and rob your own parents. What a justice system.
Great Job Springfield's Finest. Now our court systems to take a stand on crime.

Melissa
8:26 PM, 11/17/2009

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I met Mr. Williamson in passing at church. Let let this be a warning to others out there who might be headed down the wrong road. I totally believe in our Policemen and I strongly believe that they did exactly what they were trained to do. If you are threatening another citizen of the community or our law enforcement, then you have to be prepared to suffer the consequences. It is sad and unfortunate and I am praying for our policemen and for the family of Mr. Williamson.

KudosToSPD
7:30 PM, 11/17/2009

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why was this guy out of jail after already stabbing 3 people. the courts need to stop giving low bonds or the county needs to build a bigger jail. now two officers who did a great job have to live through hard times because of this. what a shame. good job spd.

bad for courts
6:54 PM, 11/17/2009

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