BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio – A late-night karaoke gathering turned tragic when a man was fatally shot at a local bar, resulting in the arrest of a suspect tied to the victim’s girlfriend.
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office responded shortly before midnight on July 11 to Louie’s Corner House. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 42-year-old Benjamin Hawk suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head. Reports indicate that the shooting took place while Hawk was enjoying karaoke on the bar’s outdoor patio with his girlfriend.
Witnesses described the suspect, Richard Lindgren, 59, as he approached Hawk from behind and opened fire without provocation. Following the shooting, Lindgren fled the scene in his vehicle. While bar patrons quickly called 911 and attempted to pursue him, he managed to evade capture before law enforcement arrived.
The incident left the Buckeye Lake community reeling, prompting a multi-state search for Lindgren. Authorities issued a nationwide alert for his vehicle, leading to a break in the case nearly 24 hours later. Law enforcement in Orangeburg, South Carolina, identified Lindgren’s car using traffic cameras and executed a traffic stop, arresting him without resistance.
Lindgren is currently awaiting extradition to Ohio, where he will face a murder charge. While the motive remains unclear, preliminary investigations suggest a link between Lindgren and Hawk’s girlfriend, who was previously married to the suspect.
Debbie Williamson, the owner of Louie’s Corner House, expressed her disbelief over the incident that unfolded within her family-operated establishment. Sitting in the beer garden when the shooting occurred, she initially mistook the sound for a firecracker. She described the scene as chaotic, recalling how patrons rushed to chase after Lindgren. Williamson emphasized that such violence had never been a part of the bar’s history and labeled the episode as “very traumatizing” for everyone involved.
Hawk’s loved ones are remembering him not just for his appreciation of music, but also for his caring nature. His brother shared heartfelt sentiments on social media, highlighting Hawk’s role as a devoted father to two children. Family members portrayed him as a selfless person, always willing to assist others, even at a personal cost.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement reports that no additional suspects are being sought. Lindgren remains in custody in South Carolina, pending the process for his return to Ohio.
The Buckeye Lake community is left to mourn the loss of a cherished member, while Louie’s Corner House, although shaken, remains open and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.