Middletown Police Shoot 22-Year-Old During Gunfight

Three officers engaged in a 'running gun battle' with a suspect with outstanding warrants.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a violent police encounter.The aftermath of a tense police confrontation exposes the physical evidence of a 'running gun battle' on the streets of Middletown.Middletown Today

Three Middletown police officers were involved in a late-night shooting incident on April 17th that left a 22-year-old suspect hospitalized. The suspect, Donald Madden, had outstanding warrants and allegedly opened fire on one of the officers, prompting a 'running gun battle' that resulted in Madden being struck by police gunfire. Madden was reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery.

Why it matters

Police use of force incidents, especially those involving gunfire, are always closely scrutinized by the public. This case raises questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation, the officers' decision to use lethal force, and whether the suspect posed an imminent threat to justify the officers' actions.

The details

According to a police union representative, the three Middletown officers were attempting to arrest Donald Madden, who had outstanding warrants, when he began shooting at one of the officers. The officer returned fire and called for backup, at which point two other officers arrived and also opened fire on Madden. Madden was struck by the gunfire and taken into custody, and was reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery.

  • The incident occurred just after 10:30 p.m. on April 17, 2026.
  • As of 2 a.m. on April 18, 2026, Madden was in surgery but in stable condition.

The players

Donald Madden

A 22-year-old suspect with outstanding warrants who allegedly opened fire on Middletown police officers, prompting a 'running gun battle' that left him hospitalized.

Dan Hils

A representative of the Middletown Fraternal Order of Police chapter who provided details about the incident to the media.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of how the officers quickly rushed in to support each other.”

— Dan Hils, Middletown FOP Representative

What’s next

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the shooting and will be interviewing the three Middletown police officers involved, who have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and complexities that police officers face when attempting to apprehend suspects with outstanding warrants, especially when those suspects are armed and willing to engage in a violent confrontation. The investigation will likely focus on whether the officers' use of lethal force was justified based on the immediate threat posed by the suspect.