Stark County, Ohio – Woman Hospitalized After Shooting; Suspect Found Dead Inside Apartment
A terrifying scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Stark County after a woman was shot multiple times inside an apartment complex on Orchard Dale Drive Northwest. According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 4:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire coming from one of the units in the 4100 block.
Upon arrival, deputies quickly secured the area and learned that the suspect was still inside one of the apartments. Out of an abundance of caution, SWAT officers were called to assist in what became a tense and rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities confirmed that the victim, an adult woman, managed to escape the apartment despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she remains in stable condition. Her identity has not been publicly released, but officials report that her condition is improving and she is expected to recover.
A child who was also inside the residence at the time of the shooting miraculously escaped unharmed. The child fled to a neighboring apartment, where concerned residents provided safety and comfort until deputies arrived. Later, the child was reunited with family members, officials said.
As the SWAT team worked to make contact with the armed suspect, the situation remained tense. When officers eventually entered the apartment, they discovered the suspected shooter, identified as 35-year-old Rodney Boles of Canton, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities believe Boles took his own life shortly after shooting the victim.
The tragic event has left residents of the Orchard Dale apartment complex shaken. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and described a chaotic scene as law enforcement swarmed the area. Deputies worked for hours to secure the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
As of Thursday, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been determined, and investigators are working to uncover what led up to the violent encounter.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward to assist detectives. Tips can be provided directly by calling 330-430-3800, or anonymously through the Stark County anonymous tip line at 330-451-3937.
The incident has reignited community concern about domestic and interpersonal violence, as well as mental health struggles that can escalate into tragedy. Local organizations are reminding residents that help is available for those in crisis, and that reaching out for support can save lives.
As the community continues to process this deeply troubling event, many are expressing relief that the victim is recovering and that the child involved was unharmed. While questions remain about the motive and circumstances, the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel likely prevented further loss of life.
