LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The investigation continues into a shooting in downtown Lima that left a teenager injured Tuesday evening.
Lima police responded to multiple 911 calls about shots fired outside of the Lima Family YMCA on Elizabeth Street around 8 PM. Officers found several spent shell casings in the vicinity and in the parking lot. They were alerted that a 17-year-old male was at Mercy Health-St. Rita's with a non-life threatening gun shot wound to his leg.
The investigation revealed that his injuries were from the incident near the "Y" and further information lead to the arrest of 19-year-old Jai'tajion Breland on suspicion of felonious assault and improperly discharging a firearm on a prohibited premises. He is being held at the Allen County Jail. Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile says that the department acted fast and swift.
"Crime scene investigators and detectives arrived at that scene shortly after the incident occurred; we combed through tons of video well into the early morning hours of Wednesday, interviews and prior knowledge that some officers had of people involved as that started to become obvious to us that led to the arrest last night," said Hile.
Officers made sure everyone in the area was safe while they secured the scene and began the investigation. Chief Hile wants to assure residents that Lima is a safe place and most violent crimes are not random.
"We've been quite a while without a serious act of violence - not that that's good, one is too many, however, we're working really hard to make that number zero as rapidly as we can," Hile said.
The case remains under investigation and we will bring you updates as they become available.
Below are statements made by Chief Hile and Mayor Sharetta Smith:
Statement from Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile
“On January 6, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Lima Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of the Lima YMCA on South Elizabeth Street. Officers arrived quickly and secured the area, locating several spent shell casings both in the surrounding area and in the YMCA parking lot. Shortly after the incident, a 17-year-old male arrived at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg. Through our investigation, it was determined that the injury was related to the shots fired in the area of the YMCA. Our officers and detectives immediately began a comprehensive investigation, including reviewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses. As a result of that work, a suspect was identified and taken into custody. A 19-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of felonious assault and improperly discharging a firearm on a prohibited premises and was transported to the Allen County Jail. I want to commend our officers, dispatchers, detectives, and partner agencies for their quick response and the long hours they worked overnight to ensure the safety of our community and to bring a suspect into custody. This remains an active investigation, and our detectives are continuing their work with the expectation that all individuals involved will be identified. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Lima Police Department at 419-227-4444 or Crime Stoppers at 419-229-7867.”
Statement from Mayor Sharetta Smith
“This morning, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Lima Police Department and all first responders who acted swiftly and professionally during a deeply concerning incident in our community. Their quick response and continued work overnight reflect a strong commitment to public safety. Immediately following the incident, I was in contact with Lima YMCA leadership to offer the City of Lima’s full support. The YMCA is an important gathering place for our community, and ensuring the safety of everyone who uses that space is a priority. Violence has no place in our city. As the investigation continues, the City will remain focused on supporting law enforcement, community partners, and those impacted, while continuing our work to keep Lima’s public spaces safe.”
