Crime
Three Lorain Police Officers Shot in Targeted Ambush Identified
LORAIN, OH — A gunman armed with an “arsenal of weapons” ambushed three Lorain police officers on Wednesday afternoon, opening fire on two officers as they sat in their patrol vehicles during a lunch break.
A third officer, who responded to assist, was also shot. The gunman, a 28-year-old man, was later found dead at the scene.
Lorain Acting Police Chief Michael Failing confirmed during a Wednesday evening press conference that the officers involved were identified as Officers Brent Payne, Peter Gale, and Phillip Wagner.
Officers Brent Payne and Phillip Wagner sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, a Level I Trauma Center.
Officer Peter Gale was shot in the hand and received treatment at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Chief Failing said the officers were ambushed while parked in the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park area when the gunman, described as “laying in wait,” opened fire using a high-powered rifle.
Responding officers quickly transported their injured colleagues in police vehicles to receive immediate medical attention.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, whose department is leading the investigation, confirmed that the officers returned fire.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, though it remains unclear whether he was killed by police gunfire or died by suicide.
“This is a heartbreaking and difficult day for the Lorain Police Department and the broader law enforcement community,” said Chief Welsh. “We extend our prayers to the families of the injured officers and our deepest gratitude to all agencies who responded swiftly to this act of violence.”
Authorities believe the gunman acted alone and have not released his identity, though his last known address was in Lorain.
Tactical teams conducted thorough searches in the area and have deemed it safe.
Investigators also discovered explosive materials in the suspect’s vehicle. Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Major A.J. Torres confirmed that the Bomb Squad safely conducted controlled detonations.
A public advisory posted by the Sheriff’s Office on social media stated:
“If you’re in the area of Colorado Ave or Kansas Ave on the East Side of Lorain and hear loud explosions, please be aware – it is a controlled detonation being conducted by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad. There is no threat to the public.”
The motive behind the ambush is still under investigation, and it is currently unknown why the officers were in the area prior to the shooting.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting Elyria police with the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Elyria Police at 440-323-3302.
Additional updates will be provided as more details become 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.