LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — More information has been released about the Friday night shooting involving Lima police officers and a suspect, which began as a traffic stop.
Lima city officials say Emerson Jeffery produced a gun and fired on officers just before 11 p.m. on October 31st, near the intersection of 2nd Street and Saint Johns Avenue. Officers returned fire, hitting Jeffery, and they stared life saving measures until paramedics arrived on scene. He is currently at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus receiving treatment for his injuries and is under police supervision while hospitalized.
An unnamed passenger in his car was also injured and has been treated and released from the hospital. The injured officer, whose name has not been released, remains at Mercy Health – Saint Rita's in stable condition.
In a joint statement, Mayor Sharetta Smith and Police Chief Curtis Hile said seven Lima Police Officers were placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with standard protocol during officer-involved shooting investigations, while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducts its independent review.
The Lima Police Department is also conducting its own investigation into the shooting. Chief Hile is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the police department, so you can be interviewed by the department and investigators with BCI.
Smith said the city is committed to full transparency and that body camera footage will be released when it is legally allowed, releasing it too early could compromise witness interviews. The Lima Police Department is providing post-incident wellness and psychological support to personnel involved in the incident.
Joint Statement from Mayor Sharetta T. Smith & Police Chief Curtis L. Hile
Regarding Officer-Involved Shooting on October 31, 2025
LIMA, OHIO - On October 31 , 2025, Lima Police Department (LPD) officers conducted a traffic stop on St. Johns Ave just north of Second St. During the encounter, Emerson Jeffrey produced a handgun and fired upon officers striking an officer. Officers returned fire striking Mr. Jeffrey which neutralized the threat. Officers immediately began life saving measures. Mr. Jeffrey was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital and later transported to the Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. We are sharing verified updates and next steps in the interest of transparency and community trust.
Confirmed Medical & Custody Status
- Suspects: Mr. Jeffrey is in custody and remains hospitalized under law-enforcement supervision.
- Officers: One officer was transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s and remains hospitalized in stable condition. No other officers required medical attention.
- A front seat passenger was injured during the incident; however, was treated and released after a short time at Mercy Health St. Rita’s.
We will update these statuses as treating physicians and investigators confirm additional details.
Investigations & Administrative Actions
Per Ohio practice, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is conducting an independent investigation into the officers’ use of force. The LPD is conducting a separate criminal investigation into the suspects’ actions.
In accordance with the LPD policy, after an officer utilizes deadly force they shall be placed on administrative leave. Seven LPD officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the BCI investigation. Such administrative leave does not imply the officer acted improperly. This procedure protects the integrity of the investigation and the rights of everyone involved.
Body-Worn Camera (BWC) & Evidence Transparency
Consistent with best-practice guidance and recent Ohio precedents, we will release relevant BWC video as soon as legally and ethically permissible, with necessary redactions and after consultation with affected families and investigators. We are working toward a timely public release, barring legal constraints. We will announce the exact timing once confirmed.
Releasing materials too early can compromise witness interviews and due process. Our approach balances transparency with case integrity and privacy obligations.
Community Safety, Support, and Officer Wellness
If you were in the area of St. Johns and Second St around 10:40 PM on October 31, 2025, and witnessed the incident, please contact the LPD or Ohio BCI. Your information—no matter how small—may be critical.
Incidents like this are traumatic. Contacting the 988 hotline can direct residents to resources who need support.
The LPD is providing post-incident wellness resources and psychological support to involved personnel, consistent with national guidelines for critical incidents.
Commitment to Accountability
We will:
1. Provide regular public updates as facts are verified by BCI and LPD.
2. Release BWC footage and other materials on a defined timeline, consistent with law and best practices.
3. Uphold due process for all parties while pursuing a comprehensive, fact-driven investigation.
“We are committed to full transparency with the community, ” said Mayor Sharetta T. Smith. “We will follow the facts, protect the integrity of the investigation, and share what we can, when we can, so residents have clarity and confidence in this process.”
“Our priority is a thorough, independent investigation and the safety and well-being of our community and officers, ” said Chief Curtis L. Hile. “We ask witnesses to come forward and the public to allow BCI to complete its review. We will continue to communicate promptly as information is confirmed.”
