Mercer County deputies investigate death of man, 22, who was a suspect in 2 robberies

MERCER COUNTY — The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man who was a suspect in two area robberies.

Raepheal A. Dell, 22, of Cincinnati, was a suspect in a robbery in Fort Wayne where the victim of the robbery was shot, according to the sheriff’s office.

>> 1 reported in custody after chase involving semi occurs in Cincinnati on I-275

Dell was also the suspect in a second robbery in Van Wert County, Ohio. The person who tried to stop Dell’s escape was reportedly drug by the car as the suspect fled.

Mercer County joined a search for Dell late Friday afternoon when Indiana law enforcement alerted them they were searching for him.

Just after 5 p.m. a Mercer County Deputy, Spencer Heinl, found Dell on U.S. Route 33 at the intersection of Kuck Road using a gas can to fill his car.

Once Dell saw the officer approaching with his lights, he went to the driver’s side and got in the vehicle ignoring the deputy’s commands to stop.

>> DeWine recounts a trip he took with John Lewis, says he ‘changed America’

In a matter of minutes, Heinl heard a gunshot.

While waiting for backup to arrive, Heinl yelled at Dell for nearly 8 minutes but never received a response.

Crews approached the vehicle and found Dell inside apparently deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, read a media release from the sheriff’s office.

Authorities began to investigate the situation and eventually learned that Dell was released from the Kosciusko County, Indiana, Jail earlier that day.

Witnesses in the area told investigators they saw Dell try to enter a pick-up truck, but the truck left the scene. It was found that a short time after the truck left, another vehicle stopped.

Dell got into the vehicle and it went to the Tractor Supply Company in St. Marys where a female entered the store alone, according to the sheriff’s office.

>> ‘Stand up for America’ protest underway in Columbus near the statehouse

Investigators say she was visibly upset and purchased a one gallon gas can. The woman’s vehicle went to the Shell station in St. Marys and purchased fuel.

Crews would like to speak with the driver of the truck and the car in hopes of getting clarity on the events leading up to Dell taking his own life.

Cox Media Group