GLENDALE, Ohio – Residents of Glendale are praising the police officer who shot a knife-wielding man on I-75 last week.
Officer Josh Hilling, 30, fired one shot at Javier Pablo Aleman, 46, on March 29. Aleman waved a large knife while staggering around I-75 and repeatedly shouted "kill me."
The dramatic confrontation was caught on Hilling's body camera video, which was released to the public Tuesday.
Pam Brooks watched the video in stunned silence Wednesday with coworkers at Statements hair salon in Glendale.
“Just watching the video brought forth so much emotion,” Brooks said. “I just can’t even begin to imagine being in that position.”
Tuesday, officials praised Hilling for his restraint in firing just one shot and working to get Aleman to surrender peacefully.
Other workers in Glendale also watched the video. Diane Pandl said she “was shocked.”
“I truly admire his presence of mind and his calmness,” Pandl said of Hilling. “He is a wonderful example of the police officers who put their lives on the line for us every day.”
Aleman is wanted by police in Maryland, where he has been charged in the stabbing death of his former landlord. Officials have said the knife Aleman was waving at Hilling could be the same one used in the killing.
Brooks called Hilling “a hero.”
Hilling told WCPO he wasn’t ready to talk about the incident, but feels good to know the residents support him.
