A law enforcement officer or firefighter engaged in suppressing a riot or in protecting persons or property during a riot:
(a) Is justified in using force, other than deadly force, when and to the extent he or she has probable cause to believe such force is necessary to disperse or apprehend rioters;
(b) Is justified in using force, including deadly force, when and to the extent he or she has probable cause to believe such force is necessary to disperse or apprehend rioters whose conduct is creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm to persons.
(R.C. § 2917.05) (`80 Code, § 648.03) Penalty, see § 698.02