well babyESPN Writer2 minute read
CINCINNATI — Bengals running back Joe Mixon is not listed as a suspect in a shooting involving a residence listed as his home, according to police records.
On Thursday, Hamilton County released the incident report of the March 6 incident in which police allege a child was shot in the foot. Merlyn Shiverdecker, a Cincinnati-based defense attorney who is part of Mixon’s representation, said the running back’s attorney has had conversations with the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office and expects the case will be solved soon.
“I think that issue will probably be resolved by this time next week,” Shiverdecker told ESPN on Thursday.
According to the incident report, children were playing “dart wars,” a game that involves toy guns that shoot foam balls. Witnesses told police that the children were playing in the victim’s garden. At around 8.30pm on Monday evening, shots were fired from the backyard of the neighboring house, which police confirmed was linked to Mixon. An unidentified suspect fired 11 shots, one of which hit the injured child in the foot.
The initial report from Hamilton County officials said the injuries were not life threatening. On Thursday, officials said no charges had been filed. Two people have been identified as suspects.
“There are a lot of potential issues that can arise from a situation where shots are fired,” Shiverdecker told ESPN of the Mixon home associated with the incident. “So obviously, in our opinion, it was prudent for Joe to have a lawyer represent him in this case, to defend him and also to protect his rights and interests.”
The home in the Anderson Township area of greater Cincinnati is officially owned by a trust. However, it was listed by police as Mixon’s residence when a warrant was issued last month for aggravated threat. That case, however, was dropped a day after the warrant was filed, and Mixon was never arrested.
Mixon spent all six NFL seasons with the Bengals and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2021. Last season, he started 14 games and gained 1,255 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. A Bengals spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
In a statement, Hamilton County said investigators continue to review evidence and conduct interviews.