Dayton, Ohio – A Dayton man who spent years on the run is now facing serious federal charges after allegedly opening fire on law enforcement officers who were attempting to take him into custody. Terrence Gay, 41, has been indicted by a federal grand jury following a tense confrontation that unfolded at his residence earlier this year.
Authorities say Gay had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to report to begin serving a federal prison sentence tied to fentanyl-related crimes in Missouri. For nearly five years, he avoided capture until investigators with the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team developed new information about his location.
Shots fired during attempted arrest
According to court documents, law enforcement began surveillance on Gay’s Dayton residence on March 19 after receiving updated intelligence about his whereabouts. A few days later, on March 23, officers moved in to execute the arrest. They surrounded the home and announced their presence, giving clear instructions for Gay to surrender.
Instead of complying, Gay allegedly refused to come out and escalated the situation. Investigators say he fired approximately 12 rounds from inside the residence toward officers outside. One of the bullets struck an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, while deputies were nearby.
The situation quickly intensified, prompting additional resources to respond. Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams were called in to assist, securing the area and preparing for a potentially dangerous standoff.
As tensions remained high, communication efforts began to de-escalate the situation. During the incident, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney. A three-way call was then arranged, which ultimately led to Gay surrendering peacefully without further violence.
Following his arrest, Gay was formally charged in a six-count indictment. The charges include assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, and illegally possessing a firearm as a fugitive. He had initially been charged by federal criminal complaint on March 25.
Gay’s criminal history extends beyond the Missouri case. Officials say he also has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft, and kidnapping.
Federal and local officials emphasized the seriousness of the case and the risks faced by officers during the encounter. The charges were announced by United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, along with leadership from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Dayton Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Gay faces significant prison time, adding to the sentence he had previously avoided.
