CLEVELAND - A fired Columbus police officer suspected of killing his wife and keeping authorities at bay on an interstate last week will remain unguarded in his hospital room because he has not been charged.

        Hermando “Cliff” Harton, 39, was listed in critical, but stable condition at MetroHealth Medical Center Thursday.

        He is suspected of killing his 27-year-old wife last Friday in Columbus then later firing at deputies at a truck stop and leading them on a 30-mile chase. After a 4 1/2-hour standoff on Interstate 71 north of Mansfield, he was shot when he fled into woods.

        State Highway Patrol officers had been guarding Mr. Harton since he arrived at MetroHealth with gunshot wounds to his back and arm.

        The patrol stopped guarding Mr. Harton Thursday afternoon, spokesman Lt. Gary Lewis said.

        “We don't believe we should have a role in guarding an uncharged suspect,” Lt. Lewis said.

        Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said charges won't be filed until the county sheriff's department completes its investigation.

        Mr. O'Brien said he was told Mr. Harton is paralyzed from the waist down. He said the only concern in leaving him unguarded would be if someone tried to get him out of the hospital.

        Hospital spokesman Paul Patton said Mr. Harton had been awake and responsive for at least a day. He would not comment on whether Mr. Harton was paralyzed.

        “We have our own police force and we're not necessarily guarding him either. As far as we're concerned, he's just a regular patient,” Mr. Patton said.

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