Emergency response personnel from several local agencies assist on scene of an officer-involved shooting in St. Clair Township Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP — A child is dead and a St. Clair Township police officer underwent emergency surgery following a shooting in the Calcutta area Wednesday afternoon.

One officer and a 4-year-old girl were critically injured after a male, later identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, opened fire on St. Clair Township police officers. The child was flown to an unknown hospital and ultimately died. Como was also shot, eventually succumbing to his injuries.

The officer, whose name is not being released, was responsive after being shot and was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital to undergo surgery. He was listed in stable condition as of Wednesday night.

The police department noted on their Facebook posts that their prayers are with the families of both Como and the child and asked that the community continue to pray for Como’s family, the child’s family, their officer and his family.

According to McKenzie, shortly after 2 p.m. police were called about a man who was possibly suicidal. Officers found Como walking down the street and tried to talk to him. He almost immediately opened fire on the officers. One officer was shot in the head and the child, who was sitting in a nearby business, was struck. Officers returned fire, hitting Como.

“We are trying to gather information as fast as we can so we can update the community,” a visibly upset McKenzie said.

McKenzie contacted BCI Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to request they do an independent investigation. Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin and his deputies are currently handling all patrol duties in St. Clair Township while they deal with this terrible situation, McKenzie said.

McKenzie noted that more information will be provided through a media release or on the department’s Facebook page as it becomes available.

Agencies responding to the incident included Wellsville police, St. Clair Township police and fire, East Liverpool police, Salem police, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol, as well as First Class Towing.

The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio is accepting tax-deductible gifts to the foundation for the officer and his family and the child as well. Donations may be made at https://unionly.io/o/fopohfoundation/fopohfoundation.

“Our thoughts are with the St. Clair Township Police Department in Columbiana County and the people of that community today after a tragic officer-involved shooting,” said Jay McDonald FOP of Ohio president.