Former military vehicles shield police during Ohio shootout
 
  By Jake Joy
  Police officers in Ohio recently relied on armored vehicles received free from the Defense Logistics Agency’s Law Enforcement Support Office for protection from a barricaded shooter during a residential area standoff in Springfield Jan. 2. According to law enforcement officials and area news reports, the 9-hour standoff began after a 10 a.m. domestic disturbance call. A responding Springfield Police officer’s cruiser was struck with bullets as they approached the residence. Neighbors provided descriptions of the suspect’s bullets going through their homes’ walls and the neighborhood was evacuated. A SWAT team was called in and the suspect fired an estimated 20 rounds as the team moved toward the house, expecting his surrender. An Ohio Highway Patrol SWAT team, Clark County Sheriff and Springfield Fire personnel all converged to assist. At about 4 p.m., the suspect began firing again, striking armored vehicles and pinning down SWAT team members, who returned fire in self-defense and used tear gas. The suspect was later found with what appeared to be a fatal self-inflicted wound. No neighbors or first responders were hurt. The former military vehicle provided cover for police during a 9-hour standoff and allowed them to closely approach the residence of a barricaded shooter.




An MRAP with bullet marks and flat front tires is parked on a residential street.
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            The former military vehicle provided cover for police during a 9-hour standoff and allowed them to closely approach the residence of a barricaded shooter.

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                    Photo By: Courtesy of Springfield Police
                    
                    VIRIN: 210102-D-D0441-1234 Springfield Police Uniform Patrol Commander Mike Kranz recently expressed thanks for the converted former military armored troop transports known as Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected vehicles provided by DLA Disposition Services and LESO. Kranz shared photos and some details about the damage sustained by the vehicles. He said officers counted nearly two dozen bullet marks among the two trucks that “didn’t damage the armor plate at all.” He said the damage extent was scratches on a new paint job and penetration of less than half an inch on some sections of window glass. It was noted that the suspect used a high-powered rifle specifically designed to shoot rounds with above average armor- or barrier-penetrating ability. DLA Disposition Services and LESO regularly receive notes of appreciation from many of the 8,000+ participating qualified law enforcement agencies who look to DLA for vehicles, equipment and supplies to help augment budget shortfalls. MRAPs and other former military armored transports are regularly lent to agencies where they are used both for protecting officers and for disaster and emergency response events like high-water rescues during hurricanes or flooding. Through LESO, DLA avoids costly equipment destruction fees and ensures taxpayers receive maximum return from items that may still have operational value but have become excess or no longer meet military mission requirements.