MANSFIELD — A 22-year-old man accused of shooting at a police officer was taken into custody on Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Mansfield Police Department.
Tyler Morley was apprehended at 10:13 a.m. at 228 Clairmont Ave. in Mansfield, according to authorities. The Mansfield Division of Police Detective Section and Patrol Officers along with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) were all involved in the capture.
“Mr. Morley was found hiding in a crawl space at this residence and taken into custody by NOVFTF members after a search warrant was executed on the residence,” police stated.
“He was arrested on outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants, including ‘Felonious Assault on a Peace Officer’ in reference to an incident that occurred at that same residence on Feb. 12, 2022.”
During that incident, authorities say Morley, who was wanted on a Domestic Violence warrant, refused lawful commands and struggled with a Mansfield police officer. After breaking free from the officer’s grip, he pulled a concealed firearm and fired a round at the officer. Morley then fled the area on foot and has been a wanted fugitive since that time.
Morley was featured twice recently in the weekly Most Wanted listings, with authorities noting he had connections to Mansfield and Ashland.
In addition to Morley, two other individuals were charged during Tuesday’s incident. Aaron Morley, 25, and Racheal Sturgil, 38, were taken into custody and charged with “Obstruction of Justice” for their part in concealing Tyler Morley’s whereabouts, authorities stated.
All three individuals were transported to the Richland County Jail, served charges and incarcerated.
“I would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), who worked in conjunction with the Major Crimes Unit and Mansfield Patrol officers, for their apprehension of this dangerous fugitive from our streets,” Mansfield Police Capt. Shari Robertson said.
“It is this type of multi-agency collaboration amongst local and federal law enforcement that not only strives to keep our city safe but often provides crucial assistance to our officers on a weekly basis.”
