CLERMONT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
A. J. Rodenberg, Jr., Sheriff
"Leadership By Example"
Office (513) 732-7500
P R E S S R E L E A S E
To : All Media
From: Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg, Jr.
Clermont County Sheriff's Office
Date: April 27, 2007
Re: Shooting Incident
On Friday 4-27-07, at 6:27 pm, the Clermont County Communication Center received a 911 call from the Mathers residence located at 3048 Schaller Road, Bethel, Ohio. Ken Mathers, 56 yrs old, called 911 stating there had been a dispute with his son Kurtis Mathers but his son had left the scene. The Bethel Tate Life Squad was dispatched to the scene, entered the residence and began treating Ken Mathers for chest pain and shortness of breath. While squad members were on scene, Kurtis Mathers returned to the residence and an argument ensued between Kurtis and his father. Bethel Tate Life Squad members noticed the dispute was escalating, so they exited toward a rear bedroom. At this time, Kurtis Mathers pulled a handgun from his person and pointed it at the squad members ordering them to get out. The squad members both immediately threw themselves onto the hallway floor, subsequently crawling toward a rear bedroom to secure themselves. As they were falling /diving for safety, they observed Kurtis Mathers fired the firearm toward them, discharging one round into the hallway wall. The wife of Ken and mother of Kurtis was also present during this incident and had taken cover inside the living room area of the residence. After Kurtis discharged the firearm he fled the residence in his vehicle. Sheriff’s units arrived on scene and secured the residence. A Bethel Tate Life Squad member was bitten by the dog that resides at the Mathers’ residence and was transported to Clermont Mercy Hospital where he was treated and released. No one was injured from the gun shot discharged by Kurtis Mathers. Charges were filed against Kurtis Mathers, and on Saturday morning he turned himself in to Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputies without incident. He is in the Clermont County Jail and will have a bond hearing in Clermont County Municipal Court at 10 a.m. today (Monday). A jail booking photo is available through Mary Gregory 732-7405.
SHERIFF RODENBERG
Kurtis A. Mathers
M/W age 31
2861 Ireton Trees Road
Bethel Ohio, 45106
Felonious Assault x2
Improperly discharging firearm into habitation
Domestic Violence (one count)