Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced that no charges would be filed against the officer in the May 22nd officer-involved shooting in the City of Reading.

Reading police officers were dispatched to the 513rd Bank on W. Benson Street for a robbery in progress. The suspect had entered the bank with a revolver, pointed the gun at the teller, jumped the counter, and ordered the teller to open the safe. Numerous other employees and customers were in the bank at the time.

A description of the suspect and a license plate were provided to police. The vehicle was associated with Michael Craddock. Reading officers responded to the address on Third Street in Reading that was associated with the plate, and found the suspect vehicle parked behind that address.

Reading officers requested mutual aid to set up a perimeter around the home. Amberley Village, Evendale, and Cincinnati units responded to aid Reading Police. The officers took tactical positions around the home, and verbal commands were issued to Craddock over a cruiser loud speaker to exit the home with nothing in his hands.

Craddock exited the home, screaming profanities at the police, and raised a firearm in the direction of the Reading officer who was issuing commands. An Amberley Village officer recognized the threat and fired one shot at Craddock, striking him in the torso.  Craddock retreated into the home.

Hamilton County SWAT arrived on scene and made entry in the home. They found Craddock inside the home, deceased. Also found in the home was a Taurus .38 revolver, the jacket Craddock was wearing during the bank robbery, and over $100,000 in US Currency taken from the bank.

At the time of this incident, Craddock had arrest warrants pending relating to an incident two days prior at Kroger on Hunt Road. Craddock stole items from Kroger and as he was fleeing, attempted to run over multiple Kroger employees before ramming his vehicle into the doors of the grocery store and leaving the scene.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “The witnesses’ cooperation aided the officers’ swift response in tracking down a dangerous, out-of-control criminal. I am grateful no innocent civilians or police officers were harmed during this intense investigation and brief standoff.

Clearly, the officer’s training, professionalism, and courage deserve high commendation. The Amberly Officer astutely recognized and promptly addressed the threat, making this a shining example of effective use of force. Knowing the suspect was armed, this officer put himself in harm’s way to protect citizens and fellow officers.”