Joint Media Release from Bryan Police Department, Williams County Coroner’s Office, Williams County Prosecutor’s Office
On August 31, 2018, at 8:47 p.m., the Bryan Police Department responded to the 800 block of East Bryan Street, Bryan, Ohio, on a call of a civilian assist.
Within minutes, Bryan Police Officers secured the scene and immediately determined that Richard Richards, Jr., who did not reside in the home, was deceased inside the residence. The investigation indicates that Mr. Richards entered the dark residence without permission. After Mr. Richards allegedly refused to retreat and approached the resident of the home, the resident shot Mr. Richards out of fear for his safety and the safety of others in the home.
The Bryan Police Department, BCI, Deputy Coroner and Prosecutor’s Office were all on the scene. The investigation indicates that Mr. Richards may have entered the wrong home.
Mr. Richards’s death is being treated as a possible homicide while further investigation and toxicology is pending. The Bryan Police Department, BCI and Williams County Prosecutor’s Office continue their efforts to complete the investigation. Preliminary autopsy has been completed but cause and manner of death is still pending until toxicology is completed.
This was an isolated incident, and there is no reason to believe that there is any ongoing danger to the local community from any person connected with this incident.
(Statement courtesy of the Bryan Police Department)
