Toledo Police Detective Critically Wounded in Shooting

Nov. 16, 2017
Detective Jason Picking was struck on the left side near his mouth, shattering his jaw, and was taken to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center where he is in “critical but stable” condition.

TOLEDO, Ohio -- A Toledo police officer was shot early Thursday in West Toledo.

Police officials identified the officer as Detective Jason Picking, a six-year veteran of the Toledo Police Department.

Toledo Police Chief George Kral identified the shooter as Jamaine Hill, 38.

Detective Picking, who was struck on the left side near his mouth, shattering his jaw, was taken to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, where he is in “critical but stable” condition, Chief Kral said. The round is lodged in his neck, and the officer will require reconstructive surgery.

The incident was reported just after 2 a.m. in the 4100 block of Caroline Avenue, near West Sylvania Avenue. The Toledo Police SWAT Team was executing a “knock and announce” drug-related search warrant at the residence, Chief Kral said.

Mr. Hill is accused of firing multiple rounds through his front door while the officers were making their entry. The officers then retreated and officers did not return fire at the suspect, the chief said.

Detective Picking, who was not part of the initial entry team, was standing 30 yards from the home next to the SWAT truck when the shooting occurred, Chief Kral said. No other officers or people were injured.

“I ask that you keep his family, his friends, and his fellow officers in your prayers during these critical few days,” Chief Kral said.

The detective’s wife, who is a dispatcher, was working at the time and overheard the call, Chief Kral said. She was taken to the hospital by her supervisor.

Mr. Hill was taken into custody, and Toledo police continue to investigate the incident. The case will be turned over to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office for a review of charges, the chief said.

Chief Kral praised the SWAT team for their work during Thursday’s incident.

“They showed an incredible amount of weapons discipline and should be commended for their actions,” he said.

A neighbor reportedly heard five gunshots.

Destiny Coleman, who identified herself as a relative of the shooter, said the man believed someone was breaking into the home. She said he struggles to walk, and was likely frightened by the loud noise of a police raid.

“He was probably trying to defend himself at the moment,” she said.

The family has lived at the house for about two years, Ms. Coleman said.

Neighbor Rachael Flores, 29, said she is pleased with the swift and large police response on her street. She heard one officer shout, “Someone's on foot. Someone's got a gun.”

Police with flashlights then covered the neighborhood, searching backyards and a resident's garage, she said.

“Probably 10 police officers with flashlights under the decks, jumping fences,” Ms. Flores said.

Another neighbor, Rodney Dumond, saw about 25 to 35 officers coming down the street within minutes. Police immediately blocked off streets and searched backyards, he said.

“Right after I heard the yells and screams down the street, officers were just flying by,” said Mr. Dumond, 53. “My heart goes out to the officers. I'm praying everything is OK for them.”

Thursday’s incident is the first officer shot since Chief Kral has led the department.

In 2012, Annie Huddleston, a then 92-year-old woman, shot Lt. Randy Pepitone in the side of the head with a .357 Magnum revolver as he was checking to see if she was OK inside her central Toledo home. She told officers at the time she thought someone was trying to break in.

In 2011, Toledo Police Officer Robert Orwig was shot in the leg during a shootout with Samuel T. Birch.

Check back later for updates.

Contact Allison Reamer at [email protected], 419-724-6506, or on Twitter @AllisonRBlade.

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©2017 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)

Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at www.toledoblade.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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