After initial reports that a homeowner shot and killed an intruder in Whitewater Township overnight, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil says the investigation has revealed the two parties were in a dispute over drugs.
The homeowner, John Heard, 38, initially told dispatchers that an intruder came into his residence and that he fatally shot him.
Neil said detectives learned that the "intruder" was known to Heard. The deceased has been identified as Andrew Naegele, 26, of Butler County. Heard told deputies Naegele was his drug dealer, who was there to collect a debt owed for methamphetamine.
Heard told deputies that "while he was intimidated by this individual, he was aware that Naegele was coming to his home to collect money owed for drugs." Naegele was also described as a member of the Iron Horsemen, a local motorcycle gang, according to deputies.
John Heard has been arrested and taken to Hamilton County Justice Center on gun charges.
The facts surrounding the death of Naegele are still under investigation, Neil said. More charges may be appropriate as the investigation continues.
Detectives are attempting to locate a pickup truck that was observed by witnesses leaving the location of the incident, crossing State Route 128 and last seen heading west on Cilley Road immediately after the shooting.
No further information is available from witnesses at this time to better describe the truck.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/12/12/homeowner-shoots-kills-intruder-whitewater-township/2286893002/
The homeowner, John Heard, 38, initially told dispatchers that an intruder came into his residence and that he fatally shot him.
Neil said detectives learned that the "intruder" was known to Heard. The deceased has been identified as Andrew Naegele, 26, of Butler County. Heard told deputies Naegele was his drug dealer, who was there to collect a debt owed for methamphetamine.
Heard told deputies that "while he was intimidated by this individual, he was aware that Naegele was coming to his home to collect money owed for drugs." Naegele was also described as a member of the Iron Horsemen, a local motorcycle gang, according to deputies.
John Heard has been arrested and taken to Hamilton County Justice Center on gun charges.
The facts surrounding the death of Naegele are still under investigation, Neil said. More charges may be appropriate as the investigation continues.
Detectives are attempting to locate a pickup truck that was observed by witnesses leaving the location of the incident, crossing State Route 128 and last seen heading west on Cilley Road immediately after the shooting.
No further information is available from witnesses at this time to better describe the truck.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/12/12/homeowner-shoots-kills-intruder-whitewater-township/2286893002/