Stark County, Ohio — A tense standoff in Stark County ended in tragedy after a woman was hospitalized following a shooting, and the suspected gunman was found dead inside his apartment. Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Rodney Boles of Canton, who appeared to have taken his own life before law enforcement could make contact. The incident has left the local community shaken and authorities investigating the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation.
According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene early Tuesday evening after receiving reports of a shooting inside a residential apartment complex. The victim, a woman whose identity has not been released, sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving medical care. Officials say her condition is currently stable.
SWAT teams were deployed as a precaution due to reports that the suspect was heavily armed and potentially barricaded inside the apartment. Officers established a perimeter around the building, evacuated nearby residents, and attempted to make contact with Boles over several tense hours, negotiating and urging him to surrender peacefully.
Neighbors described the unfolding situation as chaotic and frightening. Many residents reported hearing gunshots and seeing a heavy police presence in the area, including multiple marked vehicles, tactical units, and flashing lights. “It was terrifying,” one resident said. “You could feel the tension. Everyone was on edge, not knowing what would happen next.”
When law enforcement officers finally entered the apartment, they discovered Boles dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No further injuries were reported inside the apartment, and authorities have confirmed that the immediate threat has been neutralized. Investigators continue to collect evidence and piece together the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. They are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and gathering forensic evidence to determine the motive behind the shooting and any potential contributing factors. Authorities have not released additional details about the relationship between the suspect and the victim.
Friends and family of the victim have expressed relief that she survived the ordeal, though the emotional impact of the shooting has left many deeply shaken. Community members have begun organizing support for the victim and her loved ones, including counseling services and neighborhood vigils to promote healing.
Local law enforcement praised the coordinated response of the SWAT team and emergency personnel, noting that quick action helped contain the situation and likely prevented further harm. “Our priority was to ensure public safety while trying to resolve the situation peacefully,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “Thanks to the professionalism of our teams, the threat was contained, and the victim received immediate medical attention.”
Mental health experts have also weighed in, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic and gun-related crises in communities across Ohio. They encouraged residents to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with anger, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, highlighting resources available through local and statewide support networks.
As Stark County recovers from this shocking event, authorities continue their investigation, and residents grapple with the lasting impact of the shooting. The community remains vigilant, mourning the dangers posed by gun violence while supporting those affected by this devastating incident.