Retired Hamilton Co. Deputy Killed in Traffic, Rodney Hinton Jr Identified as Suspect and Father of Teen Shot Dead by Police a Day Earlier
In a devastating and complex sequence of events, authorities have identified the man charged with killing a retired Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy as the father of a suspect fatally shot by Cincinnati police just one day earlier. The emotional weight of the two tragedies has rocked law enforcement and the Greater Cincinnati community.
Deputy Killed While Directing Traffic Near UC
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive, near the University of Cincinnati campus, where graduation ceremonies were underway.
Retired Deputy Larry Henderson, who had recently ended a 33-year career with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, was working a special detail, directing traffic, when he was struck by a vehicle entering the intersection. He was rushed to UC Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
On Friday evening, law enforcement agencies throughout the region honored Henderson with a solemn procession, lining streets in tribute to a colleague remembered for his lifetime of service. Henderson served as a bomb technician, dive team commander, and federal task force officer during his tenure.
Suspect Identified as Rodney Hinton Jr.
Police later identified the driver of the vehicle as Rodney Hinton Jr., who has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with Henderson’s death. In an unexpected and deeply unsettling development, Hinton Jr. is the father of Ryan Hinton, the 18-year-old suspect who was shot and killed by Cincinnati police on Thursday during a confrontation in East Price Hill.
Whether Henderson was deliberately targeted remains unclear. Police have not confirmed if Hinton Jr.’s actions were intentional or an incredible and tragic coincidence. The case remains under active investigation.
The East Price Hill Police Shooting
The incident that may have triggered Friday’s tragedy began Thursday morning. An Edgewood, Kentucky, man reported his Kia SUV stolen, and GPS tracking led Cincinnati police to the Westview Condominiums in East Price Hill.
Exclusive video obtained by Local 12 showed four young men asleep in the stolen vehicle at 9 a.m. Police arrived about 30 minutes later, and within six seconds, a foot chase ensued.
As officers ordered the suspects to stop, police say Ryan Hinton pointed a gun at one of the officers. The officer, feeling his life was in danger, opened fire, striking Hinton twice. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
During a Friday press conference, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge stated that bodycam footage shows a blurred image of Hinton emerging from between dumpsters in what she described as a “bladed position,” meaning he was turned sideways with his right arm extended—allegedly pointing a firearm.
The weapon, found at the scene, had a round in the chamber and two full magazines. The officer who fired his weapon discharged it four to five times, Theetge said.
Investigation Underway
The incident is now under internal investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department in collaboration with the Citizens’ Complaint Authority. Findings will be submitted to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office for review. While an official judgment has not yet been made, Chief Theetge implied preliminary support for the officer’s use of force.
Of the other three suspects who fled:
DeAnthony Bullucks, 19, of Over-the-Rhine, and
Jurell Austin, 18, of West Price Hill,
Has been apprehended and charged with obstruction and receiving stolen property. A fourth suspect remains at large.
Remembering Deputy Larry Henderson
Deputy Larry Henderson retired in December 2024 after three decades of dedicated service. Though retired, he continued to serve the community as a Special Deputy Patrol Officer. His death is a tremendous loss to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the broader law enforcement community.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy who lost his life in the line of duty. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” read a statement from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragic chain of events has left many in shock and raised more questions than answers. Investigations into both the shooting in East Price Hill and the death of Deputy Henderson are ongoing.
Deputy Larry Henderson’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be memorialized soon…
