Lawyer shot by police died of wound to chest

4/30/2011

BOWLING GREEN — A local lawyer who was shot to death during a confrontation with police this week died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, an autopsy showed.

Wood County Coroner Dr. Douglas W. Hess said Friday he will not make a ruling on the death of Robert Blackwell, 46, until the investigation is completed, including toxicology reports.

About noon Wednesday, Bowling Green police were asked to check on Mr. Blackwell’s welfare by a friend who had been unable to contact him. When officers got no response at the door of his home at Stadium View Apartments, they entered his apartment with a key provided by the management. Inside, police said they were confronted by Mr. Blackwell, who advanced toward officers and pointed a gun at them, after which gunfire ensued. He was pronounced dead at Wood County Hospital.