Police Officer Dies From Gunshot Wounds

The 54-year-old was shot while trying to arrest a man who held police at bay for hours after allegedly torching his wife's home.

Officer Steven M Smith had worked with the force for 27 years

A police officer has died in hospital two days after being shot by an IT engineer who allegedly set fire to his estranged wife's house.

Officer Steven M Smith, 54, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday night, Columbus Ohio Police said.

He was shot while trying to arrest Lincoln Rutledge, who held police at bay for several hours after allegedly torching his ex-partner's home in Columbus.

Officer Smith had been shot in the line of duty before, in 2013.

Rutledge allegedly started a fire at his ex-partner's house in Columbus

"While others might have turned away, he heroically returned to duty," said Ohio Fraternal Order of Police President Jay McDonald.

"We join his family and friends in celebrating his life and service while mourning his senseless death."

Officer Smith had worked for the force for 27 years, and leaves behind a wife and two children.

Rutledge, 44, had threatened to shoot his wife last month, and police were looking for him for a court-ordered mental health evaluation, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

He is being held without bond on charges of felonious assault and aggravated arson.

His former employer, Ohio State University, said Rutledge had shown erratic behaviour in recent months.

He is due to appear in court on 21 April.