Toledo police fatally shoot gunman during standoff; three victims taken to hospitals

5/24/2009

A Toledo police sergeant shot and killed a 32-year-old man Sunday morning after a standoff that included gunfire in North Toledo, the shooting of three people, and a hostage situation.

Richard D. Carr, who lived at 1956 Allendale Dr. near where the standoff occurred, was shot by a Toledo police sergeant who had entered a home at 1952 Allendale with a police officer.

Police Chief Mike Navarre said the sergeant and officer, who have not been identified, concealed themselves in order to gain access to the home where Mr. Carr was holding a hostage. He was later shot.

Mr. Carr allegedly had one hostage inside his neighbor’s home, and children were inside the dwelling. He also is believed to have shot three of the residents of the home, two of whom have serious injuries.

The man also had two semi-automatic guns in his possession, Toledo police said.

"I guess he walked into the front of the house and just started firing, talking about a bunch of terrorists and stuff like that," said Ronnie Murphy, who is the brother of John Murphy who was one of the people shot.

Neighbors said that the day before the shooting, Mr. Carr was acting very neurotic and was talking about a "Civil War" in Monroe, Mich. where he has family.

John and Janet Murphy and their son, Eric, who live at the 1952 address, were shot. Eric Murphy, who had just returned from military service, was listed in critical condition at Toledo Hospital. John Murphy, who is a physical therapist at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, was in critical condition at the hospital where he works. Mrs. Murphy was also at St. Vincent's but wasn't as seriously injured, police said.

John Murphy is the nephew of retired Toledo police Sgt. Richard B. Murphy.

During the standoff shortly before 8 a.m., police and the suspect exchanged gunfire for about 10-15 minutes in the front and rear of the home.

Police said that during that time they were able to remove a back window screen and safely remove two children, who are the Murphy’s granddaughters.

Chief Navarre said authorities have checked on the safety of the suspect’s parents. They live in Monroe, Mich.

Authorities said Mr. Carr’s parents are out of town and are believed to be safe. But police in Michigan have spoken with Mr. Carr’s brother.

Toledo police were called to the Allendale neighborhood Saturday night on a separate report that Mr. Carr had shot his parents.

They are unsure what triggered the morning shooting involving Mr. Carr and his neighbors.