2 fatally shot at Carey conservation club

Deputy says alleged shooter knew victims; suspect arrested at site

11/3/2013

CAREY, Ohio — Authorities expect to file charges Monday against a Tiffin area man who they say shot and killed a man and a woman Friday night at the Carey Conservation and Sportsman’s Association.

Roger E. Fredritz of rural Carey and Cynthia L. Hawkinberry of rural Tiffin, both 49 years old, were pronounced dead inside the club, according to the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office. Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said.

The suspect, Richard L. Clark, 65, of rural Tiffin is in sheriff’s office custody, and is expected to appear Monday in Upper Sandusky Municipal Court once formal charges have been filed, said Detective Sgt. Kerwin Wisely.

Sergeant Wisely declined to say where Mr. Clark was being held or what kind of charges are anticipated.

At 9:23 p.m., the sheriff’s office received numerous 911 calls about an active shooter at the conservation club at 2877 Township Hwy. 106, several miles east of Carey in Crawford Township.

“The shooter did know both victims,” Sergeant Wisely said, declining to elaborate.

Upon arrival, sheriff's deputies and Carey police officers were told that the shooter remained inside. They confronted a white male brandishing a handgun, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Waiting emergency medical responders from Carey, Upper Sandusky, and Sycamore called to the club after the suspect was in custody.

The club was organized in 1939, according to its Web site, and incorporated in 1959. The association has 1,256 members and offers fishing, camping, trap shooting, and handgun instruction, according to the site. It hosts Ohio Department of Natural Resources safety courses and Boy Scout and Girl Scout outings.

Carey, Ohio, has about 3,600 people and is 65 miles southeast of Toledo.