Suppression hearing held ahead of April trial in officer shooting case

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Emerson Jeffrey, 35, appeared Thursday in Allen County Common Pleas Court for a suppression hearing ahead of his April jury trial.

Defense attorneys argued Jeffrey was not read his Miranda rights during an interrogation by Detective Steve Stechschulte. Destiny Caldwell said Jeffrey was advised of his rights and pointed to a specific moment in recorded video evidence. Terri Kohlreiser will issue a ruling on the suppression motion.

Jeffrey is scheduled to stand trial in connection with the Oct. 31 shootout involving the Lima Police Department. Authorities allege Jeffrey was in the back of a vehicle when he pulled out a gun and opened fire, injuring Officer Bryce Metz. Jeffrey faces four counts of felonious assault and five weapons-related charges. His final pretrial hearing is set for March 13. The jury trial is scheduled to begin April 27.