A 74-year-old Clermont County man who says a silver Dodge SUV hit him while he checked his mailbox is now facing attempted murder charges after deputies say he fired at the vehicle and chased it down State Route 133. What began as a reported hit-and-run quickly turned into a roadside gunfire investigation.
Daniel Combs called 911 Tuesday after saying the SUV struck him, according to Local 12. Court papers cited by the station say Combs got into his vehicle, followed the SUV and managed to stop it on or near SR 133.
During the 911 call, Combs allegedly yelled, “Get back up here or I’ll shoot ya.” Court documents say eight suspected gunshots could then be heard, and that Combs went after the SUV again after it left.
Someone inside the silver Dodge separately called 911 and reported being stuck in the damaged vehicle at Clermont Northeastern School while waiting for law enforcement, Local 12 reported. The person also had a photograph of Combs’ vehicle, giving investigators a way to connect the two calls.
Deputies found seven 9mm shell casings on SR 133 near U.S. 50. Combs later admitted firing at the SUV with a 9mm handgun that his wife kept in the center console of the car he was driving, according to the report.
Charges Follow Roadside Gunfire
Combs is charged with attempted murder, felonious assault and discharge of a firearm. The charges remain allegations, and the available report does not indicate that prosecutors have alleged anyone inside the SUV was struck by gunfire.
Under the Ohio attempt statute, prosecutors must generally show conduct intended to bring about the underlying offense. The firearm-discharge count is tied to an Ohio law that specifically prohibits firing a gun upon or over a public road or highway, according to the state firearm-discharge statute.
Another Clermont County Traffic Dispute Turned Violent
The case follows another Clermont County roadway shooting allegation reported earlier this year. In that separate incident, WCPO reported that a driver was accused of firing a single shot at another vehicle after the driver cut him off, with investigators finding damage they said was consistent with a bullet strike.
The incidents are separate, but both show how quickly a confrontation involving vehicles can become a felony case once a firearm enters the picture. In Combs’ case, the alleged pursuit, multiple shots and shell casings are now central pieces of the prosecution’s evidence.
