LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — An Allen County jury will decide the fate of a man accused of opening fire on Lima police during a traffic stop.
The trial for Emerson Jeffrey, 35, began Monday, with prosecutors delivering opening statements. The defense deferred its opening statement.
Jurors also heard from two key witnesses — Jeffrey’s ex-girlfriend, Kelsey Gibson, and her current boyfriend, Robert Cordes — who were both in the car at the time of the shooting.
They testified the group had spent the afternoon together before being pulled over on St. John’s Avenue for a broken windshield on Oct. 31. According to testimony, Jeffrey became aggressive with the officer before pulling out a gun and firing from the back seat.
Officer Bryce Metz was shot during the exchange, and Cordes was grazed in the back. Jeffrey was also injured when officers returned fire.
Both witnesses told the court they did not know Jeffrey had a weapon.
Jeffrey is charged with four counts of felonious assault with gun specifications, along with several additional weapons-related charges.
The trial is expected to last several days.
