Kent Police released an updated statement on the officer-involved shooting that took place on January 16 at 1596 E. Summit Street in Kent. 

Police responded to a 9-1-1 call from a young girl just after 8 a.m. that morning. The 14-year-old babysitter, who was in the home with a 1-year-old child, told police an unknown male was trying to enter the home. She hid with the child until police arrived.

40-year-old Dante Darnell Dixon was armed with a handgun and immediately engaged with Kent Police Officers and Lenny Kunka and Kyle Auckland when they arrived at the home. Multiple shots were fired – Officer Kunka was shot in the hand, and Officer Auckland was shot in the chest but saved by his bullet-resistant vest. The suspect was shot in the abdomen and sent into emergency surgery upon arrival at the hospital.

An investigation revealed Dixon is known by a resident who was not home at the time – his intentions that morning remain unknown. The vehicle he used to drive to the home was parked multiple houses away from the home he entered. 

Officers Kunka and Auckland were released from the hospital on Saturday and are now recovering with their families.

The suspect was also released on Saturday and placed under arrest. Dixon is being held in Portage County Jail without bond on charges of aggravated burglary and felonious assault on police officers. 

Maddy Haberberger is the digital content manager. Contact her at [email protected].