Sheriff: Man Arrested After Shooting At Deputy, Trooper

A man from Tiffin is facing a charge of felonious assault – accused of shooting at a sheriff’s deputy and state highway patrol trooper.

On Saturday, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a potentially suicidal 50-year-old man with a gun in a park in Bettsville.

A deputy and trooper say they discovered Shawn William Varner inside one of the fenced-in ball fields and say that he fired his weapon at them.

Both the deputy and trooper were able to seek cover and were unharmed.

Varner eventually surrendered after a swat team arrived.

He was arrested and additional charges are pending.

“It was a very intense and serious situation that occurred inside the park this evening,” said Sheriff Fredrick Stevens.

“I am very thankful that no one got hurt, especially our area Law Enforcement. It is the outcome we should all be proud of. I also appreciate the assistance from all the personnel from the area agencies. It’s a small example of how important it is to maintain great relationships with all area Law Enforcement Agencies, and it certainly made an impact today!”