A Clark County Sheriff Deputy was killed New Year's morning at Enon Beach while investigating a report of shots being fired.

Read More According to Sheriff Gene Kelly, Suzanne Hopper, age 40, was investigating the incident around 11:30 a.m., had found a footprint, took out her camera to photograph the footprint when the door to a nearby trailer opened and she was fatally wounded by a shotgun blast.

Hopper was married and the mother of two.  Kelly said Hopper never had the chance to draw her weapon or take cover.

The suspect, Michael Ferryman, 57, who lived at Enon Beach was found dead in the trailer at around 3 p.m., presumbably from law enforcement gunfire.

German Township Police Officer Jeremy Blum was injured in the exchange of gunfire when he was struck in the shoulder.  "He was wearing a vest," said Kelly, "but he suffered some internal injuries."  Blum was taken to Miami Valley Hospital where his condition was described as serious.  "I'm told he should be OK," said Kelly.

"This is the worst day of my entire law enforcement career," said Kelly as he choked back tears while briefing reporters on the events of the day.  "I hired her, and she was an outstanding deputy."  Kelly said this is the first deputy he has lost from gunfire in his tenure as Sheriff.

The initial report came in at 11:25 a.m., and the residents of lot 84 said that a shotgun blast had shattered a window in their trailer.  Hopper was investigating that complaint when she was killed.

Kelly said that the suspect opened fire on personnel who were coming to Hopper's aid.

He said that law enforcement agencies from throughout the Miami Valley responded to the scene to offer aid, including Enon, German Township, Tremont City, SWAT teams from the Ohio State Patrol and Springfield, and Huber Heights Armored personnel.

Kelly said that the Ohio Attorney General's BCI unit will conduct the investigation into the shooting since Clark County Deputies were involved.

On Sunday, the assailant was identified as Michael L. Ferryman, age 57.  No further details were released pending further investigation.