(2-24-26) This morning at 10:27 am, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Convoy Fire, responded to a residence in the 3500 block of Ohio Indiana State Line Road Dixon for a report of a structure fire.

According to Van Wert Sheriff’s Deputies one person has been found deceased.

The person who died has been assumed to have been the homeowner. The coroner remained at the scene to investigate.

During the fire, at least two bullets went through the neighbor’s home, one of which grazed the man’s forehead. Investigators are working to determine if shots were manually fired or if ammunition exploded as a result of the fire.

Payne Fire, Monroeville, Indiana Fire, and Van Wert Fire Departments responded with tankers and manpower.

CERT responded to assist with traffic control and assist personnel. Allen County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department was also on scene to assist.