A man who was found dead in his home was identified by authorities. The death was also ruled a homicide, according to the Portage County Sheriff's Office.
On Wednesday around 7:50 a.m., Portage County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Rootstown Fire responded to the 4700 block of Smith Avenue in Rootstown Township.
Authorities said a 911 call was received that reported the residence appeared to be on fire and was filled with smoke. Once the fire was out, the interior of the residence was checked and a man was found dead. The man was identified as Bryan Patrick Burns, 41, and he lived in the home.
During the investigation, according to police, it was believed that the death was suspicious. Portage County detectives requested help from the Ohio State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to respond to the home. Officials learned that the vehicle Burns owned was missing.
On Thursday, an autopsy was conducted at the Summit County Medical Examiners Officer. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, SCME reported. The death was ruled a homicide by the Portage County Coroner’s Office.
Portage County Sheriff David W. Doak requested the public’s help in locating Burns' vehicle. The vehicle was described as a 2001 Ford Mustang that was silver in color with Ohio license plate number GIX6026. The vehicle had damage to the driver's side fender.
Doak said the public should not take action on their own if the vehicle is found. Instead, contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office at 330-296-5100 or the local law enforcement agency. Anyone associated with this vehicle should be considered armed and dangerous.
