Veterinarian kills self during search

Law enforcement was at business to search for records

A local animal doctor took his own life Dec. 6 when police went to his Sheffield Township business to search for records.

The Lorain County Drug Task Force and the Cleveland Office of the DEA Diversion Office were executing a search warrant for records at the Animal Emergency Center located at 5152 Grove Ave. at 8 a.m., according to a news release. The release further stated: Upon arrival, contact was made with Dr. Craig Talbott, the 66-year-old owner of the center. Talbott was advised of the search warrant and agreed to cooperate leading investigators to an interior office area where he said records were maintained.

Upon reaching this office, Talbott retrieved a handgun and threatened to take his life. Drug Task Force Units attempted to convince Talbott to put his gun down, but Talbott refused to comply.

Assistance was called and

Drug Task Force Units attempted to convince Talbott to put his gun down, but Talbott refused to comply.

two deputies from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, who were in the area, immediately responded. As the deputies arrived they proceeded to the interior office.

The deputies also tried to persuade Talbott to put the gun down.

Determining it was obvious that Talbott was not going to comply, deputies discharged a Taser at Talbott, but it had no effect. This was followed by a second Taser which also had no effect.

Talbott then fired his handgun, taking his own life, according to the release.

EMS who had been called to the area said Talbott had succumbed to his injury.

Upon arrival of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, it was determined that a request would be made to the Lorain Police Department to handle the investigation.

The Lorain Police Department Detective Bureau responded and took over the investigation which is still under investigation.

Lieutenant Ed Super said in a phone interview that the department had processed the scene and collected evidence and expects to provide more information in the coming days. Super added the department was not presently aware of the nature of the investigation by the DEA and the Lorain County Drug Task Force.

“We just know that they were conducting an investigation,” Super said.

Execution on the search warrant was completed by the Drug Task Force and further investigation is continuing into that matter.

Phone calls to the Drug Task Force and the Cleveland office of the DEA were not immediately returned.