LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — An early morning multi-agency enforcement operation Tuesday resulted in four arrests and the seizure of an undetermined amount of cash and drugs.
Dozens of law enforcement vehicles and officers began mobilizing just before 6 a.m. to execute nine search warrants throughout the city of Lima.
“The main goal of the operation was to break up this criminal network that has been going on in our community to sell drugs, possess illegal firearms, laundering and money. So that was our that was the main focus of the operation,” said Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile.
The effort marked the first phase of what authorities are calling “Operation New Beginnings,” a coordinated initiative bringing together multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders to provide the manpower and specialized resources needed for large-scale operations.
“We provided aviation today, so the aviation was strictly Overwatch. So if something were to have gone wrong or gone afoul or somebody fled the scene, they have infrared cameras and such that we can track in the darkness. So we provided the aviation, so a helicopter was up during the operation. Then we also provide our special response team, which is a SWAT team to work alongside Lima police,” said Lt. Matt Crow of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities served warrants at nine locations, including eight residences and one business. The Ohio Casino Control Commission shut down the Jackpot Zone on Harding Highway near Interstate 75.
Speaking at a press conference just hours after the raids, Lima Mayor Sharitta Smith emphasized that city leaders are listening to residents’ concerns and taking action to address criminal activity.
“It shows that we are hearing what our residents talk with us about, and so for too long, residents have called in. They've made reports about suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, and today shows that we heard you. We're listening, and not only are we listening, we're doing something about it,” Smith said.
Chief Hile also delivered a warning to those involved in illegal drug activity.
“We would ask you to please stop doing that. We want everyone to be safe in this community. We want people to stop committing these kind of crimes. And I guess the thing to remember is, is that if you don't, you may be the next person that we're investigating,” Hile said.
All search warrants were executed without incident. Additional arrests could be made as the investigation continues.
Media Release from City of Lima
City of Lima Announces Results of “Operation New Beginnings” Multi-Agency Enforcement Effort
LIMA, OHIO - The City of Lima today announced the execution of Operation New Beginnings, a coordinated enforcement effort aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, illegal firearms activity, and illegal gambling operations within the community.
The operation resulted in the execution of nine (9) search warrants across multiple locations and involved extensive collaboration between local and state law-enforcement agencies.
The search warrants were served at the following addresses:
- 703 Faurot Avenue
- 707 Faurot Avenue
- 332 South Metcalf Street
- 332 ½ South Metcalf Street
- 403 South Metcalf Street
- 1020 Faurot Avenue
- 521 East Fourth Street
- 1513 West Wayne Street
- 1515 Harding Highway
This effort resulted in:
- Four (4) arrests for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity connected to the criminal network, including: Jai'Quavius Carter, Cantrell Island, De'jorr Gibson, and Jordan Davis
- Closure of Jackpot Zone, located at 1515 Harding Highway, Lima, Ohio, following enforcement action related to illegal gambling
- Seizure of three (3) vehicles connected to criminal activity
- Recovery of two semi-automatic handguns tied to the network
- Additional financial and evidentiary seizures remain under review
Officials emphasized that the most significant outcome of the operation was the disruption of an organized network that was contributing to unsafe conditions in local neighborhoods.
“This operation was about stopping ongoing harm and restoring a sense of safety for residents who have been living with this activity day after day,” said Curtis Hile, Chief of Police. “By dismantling this network, we’ve removed individuals and operations that were actively undermining our community.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith noted that the operation reflects Lima’s commitment to using collaboration to address complex crime.
“When criminal activity reaches beyond a single street or a single agency’s capacity, we will bring in the right partners and use every tool available,” Mayor Smith said. “This operation shows what’s possible when agencies work together with a shared focus on community safety.”
Operation New Beginnings was made possible through close coordination among the following agencies:
- Lima Police Department – Investigations Division & Uniformed Officers
- Lima Police Department SWAT
- Lima Police Department PACE Unit
- Ohio State Highway Patrol – SWAT (Three Teams) & Uniformed Troopers
- Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC), Ohio Department of Public Safety
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, additional arrests and enforcement actions remain possible. Officials emphasized that public safety was the top priority throughout the operation, including the visible use of armored vehicles and aviation support.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available
