Authorities say man shoots self after attempted arrest on child porn charges

MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio (WTAP) - Authorities say a man is dead after shooting himself following a search warrant related to child pornography.

The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office says in a Facebook post that Patrick McDaniel took a deputy’s gun and shot himself when the deputies tried to arrest him.

According to the post, deputies with the Sheriff’s office were serving a warrant for child pornography Tuesday afternoon on July 8 on Haning Road in Albany.

Deputies say McDaniel confessed to having a “large volume” of child pornography on his computer and cellphone after he was shown evidence.

The release says that when deputies tried to place him under arrest, McDaniel fought. A second deputy came to assist, and McDaniel was able to get one of the deputy’s guns.

Detectives and deputies drew their weapons and told McDaniel to drop the weapon. The release says that McDaniel refused and placed the gun to his head and shot.

McDaniel was pronounced dead at the scene. One deputy was treated and released from a hospital.

McDaniel was facing 48 counts of possessing child pornography ranging from infants up to children of 5 years of age.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the incident after request from The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office.

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) conducted the initial investigation into McDaniel.

“I feel very strongly about protecting our children from these types of crimes and we will continue to investigate these types of cases and have them prosecuted to fullest extent of the law.” Stated Sheriff Scott Fitch. “I am extremely proud of the work that our Detectives have put into making these child pornography cases and cases involving the exploitation of children. We have worked a multitude of these cases since I have been in office and will continue to work these diligently to protect our children.”

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