WEST SHORE BLUES: The Best of the Beats

Chaos Prevails at Police Shootout in North Olmsted Fire, 2 Dead

Chaos prevailed at a burning North Olmsted home as police responded to a bizarre phone call from a woman who was approached by a bleeding man asking for help.

The call came in at about 1:40 a.m. Saturday. The caller, a woman, told police she was approached while getting into her car by a shirtless man who was “all bleeding down” and asking for help because someone was after his uncle.

Police responded to the home at 28456 Alden Dr. and discovered an armed man and smoke coming from the home.

Police gave chase to the man, who got stuck in bushes, and exchanged gunfire with two officers. One, a North Olmsted police officer, hit in the chest, was saved by his bulletproof vest. He was also hit in the arm. The other officer was from Westlake.

The armed man was shot and taken to Fairview Hospital where he later died after surgery.

The North Olmsted officer was treated at UH St. John Medical Center.

Responding to the fire, departments from North Olmsted, Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park and North Ridgeville, discovered the home was fully involved in flames.

H-6 Photo, documentarian for West Shore safety forces, was on hand to bear photographic witness. “This was a different experience than I am used to, and I admit it was a little nerve racking at first,” he said: “In addition to the police activity there was ammunition in the house that was going off.

“Most of the actual fire pics were taken behind the cover of one of the apparatuses on scene. (I have a video that I will post later of the ammunition).” That video is now viewable at his H-6 Photo Facebook site.

When the fire was controlled, officials discovered another decedent inside the home; 52-year-old Christopher Torrisi. He had been shot, but the County Coroner will rule on the actual cause of death. Torrisi had a lengthy criminal record, with charges reportedly including robbery, drug possession, theft, forgery, passing bad checks and more.

There is surely more to come as this complicated scenario is unraveled by officials. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is involved and the house fire is being examined as arson.

“Continue to support our first responders,” says eyewitness photographer H-6 Photo. “We are lucky to have top notch men and women that meld together and work as one big unit when the call comes in.

“Prayers to everyone that was involved…. and hoping for a speedy recovery for our NOPD Officer.

“As always thanks to the chiefs and the OICs for allowing me to document the incredible people that keep us safe.”

Check the H-6 Photo Facebook site for a video of the fire. You can hear ammunition inside the house going off.”

School Bus Scofflaw

On 10/24/2023, at 0820 hrs, a BVPD officer stopped a vehicle on Wolf Rd. near Bassett for Passing a Stopped School Bus. The 46-yoa female driver was cited for the offense and will face charges at RRMC.

Door Ditch

On 10/25/2023, at 1938 hrs, a resident in the 300 block of Glen Park reported two teenaged males knocked on her door and took off running, on two occasions. Officers were dispatched to the area, but were unable lot locate the individuals.

Domestic Problems

On 10/26/2023, at 2026 hrs, BVPD officers responded to a residence in the 23000 block of Russell Rd. on the report of a possible domestic disturbance between boyfriend and girlfriend. The male was in the backyard of the house yelling and screaming and throwing items around. Upon arrival, officers located the male in question. He was intoxicated and creating a disturbance. He indicated he did have a verbal argument with his live-in girlfriend, and she had since left. The male’s behavior escalated while officers were on scene. The 47-yoa was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct-Intoxication and Possession of Marijuana. He will face charge at RRMC.

On 10/29/2023, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Russell and Clague Rd. on the report of another possible domestic incident involving the same couple. Callers reported the male was on the hood of the car as she slowly drove down the street. Responding officers located the vehicle, and the male was still on the hood. After speaking with both parties, it was determined he had placed items in the driveway as she attempted to leave after an argument. When she moved the items and began to leave, he jumped on the hood of the car. The male was arrested for Unlawful Restraint, Menacing, and Disorderly Conduct-Intoxication. He will face charges at RRMC.

First World Problems

On 10/27/2023, at 0746 hrs, a Huntington Woods Parkway resident called to report a construction crew had started working prior to the 0800 hrs. start time and was creating a disturbance. An officer was dispatched and advised the crew they had to wait until 0800 hrs. to start working.