Crime
3 officers injured after shooting in Lorain, suspect killed
Lorain, OH — A massive law enforcement response unfolded Wednesday afternoon at the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park following a violent encounter that left three Lorain Police Department officers wounded.
The incident, which began shortly after 1:15 p.m. EST, has prompted a multi-agency investigation and an ongoing search for a possible outstanding suspect.
According to Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, three Lorain officers were struck by gunfire during the confrontation. Two officers sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to regional trauma centers for emergency medical treatment. A third officer, who suffered a gunshot wound to the hand, was transported to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. All three officers survived the initial shooting.
Mayor Bradley confirmed that at least one suspect involved in the incident was shot and killed at the scene. However, based on tactical activity and police presence, it is believed that another suspect may remain at large. Aerial drones and SWAT teams from both Lorain and Elyria Police Departments were deployed as part of the ongoing search and tactical operations.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic and urgent scene. Councilman Tony Dimacchia (D-At Large), who was departing the Lorain Schools Transportation Center at the time of the shooting, reported seeing officers urgently placing a wounded colleague into the back of a patrol vehicle and rushing him from the scene, his legs visibly hanging out of the car door.
At this time, it remains unclear what triggered the initial confrontation. Authorities have not confirmed whether any additional suspects are in custody, and no further details have been released regarding the events leading up to the exchange of gunfire.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.