The Ravenna City Police Department identified 43-year-old Matthew James Fries as the man officers shot and killed Tuesday.

Captain Jake Smallfield said officers responded to a call about a stabbing victim on the Portage County Hike and Bike Trail when Fries allegedly approached them with an ax and knife in his hands.

The officers drew their weapons and retreated about 20 feet when Fries did not respond to their commands to stop walking and to drop the ax and knife, Smallfield said.

“When he got close enough that he did not listen to their commands, they discharged their firearms and fatally shot Fries,” he said. 

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Press Secretary Steven Irwin said none of the officers involved were injured.

Smallfield said Fries was homeless and shared a tent on the trail with the individual he stabbed.

The Ravenna bike trail was closed Tuesday because of the investigation but has now reopened.

The BCI has taken over the investigation of the incident. Irwin said it is BCI protocol to act as a third-party, independent fact finder when officer-involved fatal shootings occur.

When its investigation is completed, it will be forwarded to the Portage County Prosecutor for further review. The BCI will post information about the investigation on its website after the legal processes for the investigation conclude.

Adriana Gasiewski is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].