Suspect dead following robbery at Ohio restaurant

OHIO — A man suspected in multiple armed robberies, including one at a Chipotle restaurant in Marion, died by suicide following a police pursuit on April 16, 2025.

According to a press release from the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Combined Dispatch received several calls at 9:27 p.m. reporting an armed robbery at Chipotle, located at 135 Edgefield Blvd.

The suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Chris Emmanuel Nehantzoulis Jr. of Marion, allegedly entered the restaurant with a gun and grabbed the cash register.

As he attempted to flee, a patron intervened, prompting the suspect’s gun to discharge. No one was struck, and the suspect fled with the cash register.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, using footage from Flock Cameras to identify Nehantzoulis as the suspect.

Several hours later, deputies in Medina County attempted to stop Nehantzoulis for an equipment violation. A pursuit ensued, involving the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Strongsville Police Department.

Law enforcement deployed a spike strip, which disabled Nehantzoulis’s vehicle. He then fled on foot, firing two shots at pursuing officers before taking his own life moments later.

Marion authorities also connected Nehantzoulis to another armed robbery at the Dollar General at 617 N. Main St., which occurred on April 13 at 9:53 p.m.

Evidence gathered during that investigation led police to identify Nehantzoulis as the suspect in that incident as well.

“I am proud of the deputies and officers that worked on these cases,” stated Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles. “It is unfortunate that Mr. Nehantzoulis decided to end his life the way that he did, and it is fortunate that no law enforcement officers were struck when he fired at them.”

“We are extremely grateful that no innocent bystanders or law enforcement officers were injured in the robberies or in the investigation of these violent crimes. We are also thankful for the witnesses who have cooperated with law enforcement during this investigation,” said Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marion Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, or the TIPS Line at 740-375-TIPS.