The Adams County Sheriff’s Department responded to a tragic incident early Sunday morning involving a fatal shooting in the Village of Manchester. Authorities received reports of possible gunfire in the area of Starks and 6th Streets during the early morning hours. Deputies arrived in the area at approximately 04:48 a.m. and located one victim with fatal injuries. The victim was identified as 47-year-old male, James D. Land.
Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions of the suspect and their vehicle, leading to a swift response by law enforcement. The suspect was identified as 43-year-old male, Jason Strain of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The male fled from the scene and was believed to be en route to an address in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
With the assistance of Ohio State Highway Patrol Intel traffic cameras, the Sheriff’s Department was able to track the vehicle’s location. By approximately 10:29 a.m., Bowling Green Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. During the stop, Strain complied and was taken into custody by Bowling Green Police. Strain is currently incarcerated in Warren County Jail in Kentucky on local charges, as well as charges out of Adams County.
“There is no immediate threat to the public at this time,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.
This marks at least the third murder in the small village of Manchester over the past year. Last spring, the community was rocked by a double homicide that also left one person seriously injured. The recent violence has left many residents concerned about safety in the village.
A coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to the resolution of Sunday’s incident. The Adams County Sheriff’s Department extended its thanks to the Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire/EMS, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Brown County Task Force, Kentucky State Police, and Bowling Green/Warren County Kentucky Communications Center for their support during the investigation.
