COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio —

A man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a shootout with police inside the Kroger in Colerain Township last year.

It happened on May 29, 2024, when investigators said Joseph Van Niman, 42, exchanged gunfire with police inside the store. Police said it began as a drug deal outside, and officers followed Van Niman into the parking lot, commanding him to stop. Advertisement

According to Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers, when officers gave him commands to stop, Van Niman turned toward officers with a firearm and "took a shooting stance."

That's when investigators said officers pulled out their weapons, and Van Niman ran into the store, taking cover near the entrance with his firearm still out.

Powers said Van Niman and police exchanged gunfire,

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