Paul Ree Gaston, 37, of Cincinnati died February 17, 2016, after a police-involved shooting in Cheviot. Officers encountered Gaston after he drove erratically, crashed his pickup into a utility pole and briefly fled the scene after dropping then retrieving a gun. He initially got on his knees with his hands behind his head as officers ordered him to the ground, but then reached toward a weapon at his waistband. That item was later identified as a pellet gun made to resemble a real pistol.

Three officers who were facing Gaston — Scott McManis, Zachary Sterbling and Eric Kohler — fired a total of nine rounds, striking him multiple times. The Cincinnati police Criminal Investigations Section reviewed the shooting; the officers were placed on administrative leave and the chief described their response as consistent with training. Toxicology results were pending and investigators reviewed eyewitness video that captured Gaston complying before reaching for the pellet gun.

Gaston had been free on bond while awaiting trial on charges including aggravated menacing, failure to comply with police and driving on a suspended license. The case raised questions about use of force and the handling of people with possible substance abuse or mental health issues. Does anyone have information about the moments before officers arrived or about the eyewitness videos?