An Ohio police officer was killed during an inmate attack on Christmas morning: ‘He made great sacrifices’

Authorities have released information on the inmate accused of attacking and killing a veteran Ohio corrections officer on Christmas Day.

The Ohio Department of Corrections and Corrections (ODRC) confirmed that Officer Andrew Lansing lost his life on Christmas morning following an “inmate attack” at the Chillicothee prison.

This incident happened around 07:15 in the morning and the Ministry did not release any other information about what led to this incident.

On Thursday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the inmate as Rashawn Cannon, 27, who was arrested on aggravated assault with a weapon under disability charges stemming from a September 2023 incident, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections and Corrections website. .

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The website indicated that Cannon’s expected release date was Aug. 5, 2030.

Cannon was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, according to officials.

Annette Chambers-Smith, who is the Director of the Ohio Department of Corrections and Corrections, released a statement about the attack and called it a difficult loss.

“It is with great sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of Corrections Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault at Ross Correctional Institution this morning,” Chambers-Smith said in a statement.

“It’s hard to lose an employee, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone who saved us is an unfathomable tragedy. Instead of coming home after a break to be with his family this holiday, an officer. Lansing made a huge sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same,” – U- Annette Chambers-Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Chambers-Smith said Officer Lansing was a long-time, well-respected employee at the facility and “his unexpected death, on Christmas Day, is heartbreaking for his family, the entire family of Ross Correctional Institution, and our agency as a whole. .”

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Andrew Lansing, a Ross County correctional officer, was killed early Christmas morning during an alleged assault on an inmate. (Ohio Department of Corrections)

“Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and was known to be very supportive of RCI staff. Please keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult and painful time,” the statement continued.

Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Ohio, also released a statement, offering his condolences, calling Officer Lansing “one of the best corrections officers out there.”

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol has identified the person involved in the officer’s death as Rashawn Cannon, 27. (Ohio Department of Corrections)

“While many of us were celebrating our Christmas holiday, tragedy struck at the Ross Correctional Facility. I am saddened and saddened to say that one of the best police officers lost his life today in a struggle with an inmate,” the statement read.

“The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating the murder. Please keep the family of this officer in your prayers as they deal with their loss on Christmas Day.”

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all flags to be lowered in honor of Chief Lansing until sunset on the day of his funeral.

Chambers-Smith added that Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under a restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation is ongoing.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. News tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com