FINDLAY, OH — The community of Findlay is grappling with shock and sadness following the death of 90-year-old Robert Charles Norton, who was fatally shot by police on Wednesday afternoon, October 22, 2025, after a tense encounter at his home on Cherry Lane.
According to a statement from the Findlay Police Department, officers were dispatched around 1:47 p.m. to the 1600 block of Cherry Lane in response to a report of a shooting. Dispatchers attempted to contact the caller but were unsuccessful. Upon arrival, officers approached the residence, where the door was opened by a man later identified as Robert Charles Norton.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the responding officers, prompting them to fire several rounds in response. Robert Norton was struck multiple times. Officers immediately entered the home, cleared the scene, and provided medical aid before he was transported to a local hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Police confirmed that no one else was located inside the residence, and no officers were injured during the incident.
The case has now been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), which will conduct a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. The Findlay Police Department stated that body camera footage from the incident will be released on Friday to ensure transparency and accountability as the investigation proceeds.
The death of Robert Charles Norton has left many in the Findlay community mourning a complex and heartbreaking situation — one that highlights the fragile intersection of aging, isolation, and law enforcement response. Neighbors describe Norton as a longtime resident, quiet and independent, though in recent years he had faced increasing struggles that may have contributed to the tragic encounter.
As the investigation unfolds, many are reflecting on how moments like this underscore the importance of compassion, patience, and community-based support, particularly for vulnerable seniors who may be battling confusion, fear, or mental health challenges.
The loss of Robert Charles Norton, at 90 years old, is a deeply sorrowful moment for Findlay. His passing serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold and how every life — no matter the age or circumstance — deserves empathy and understanding.
The community extends its heartfelt condolences to all affected by this tragic event. May Robert Charles Norton rest in peace, and may those who knew him find comfort and healing in the days ahead.
