Man’s death ruled suicide near Summit Township billboard
The death of a man who shot at a controversial Summit Township billboard has been ruled a suicide, state police said Thursday, Sept. 7.
The man was found dead near the intersection of Route 422 and Bonniebrook Road on Monday afternoon, Sept. 4, according to Trooper Bertha Cazy, public information officer for Troop D.
“Upon arrival, a male was found deceased,” Cazy stated in the news release. “Through the investigation, it was determined it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No further details will be released.”
Police responded to the parking lot of Dollar General at 511 East Route 422 at about 1:42 p.m.
The man, whose name is being withheld by the Eagle, died of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Butler County Deputy Coroner John Hanovick.
Deputy Coroner Larry Barr said Thursday morning that the weapon used in the shooting was a 9 mm handgun.
Barr said the rumors circulating Thursday about another manner of death were untrue. Cazy also said there was no indication that the bullets shot at the billboard played any role in the man’s death.
“I have nothing in my notes about ricocheting bullets,” Cazy said.
John Placek, who owns the billboard, said earlier this week that his billboard was damaged in the shooting. He said state police contacted him about the damage. State police confirmed this report.
Placek’s billboard has been the center of controversy since it was installed in January.
Eagle assignment editor Tracy Leturgey contributed to this report.
