Euclid police officer killed after being ‘ambushed’ on disturbance call; Suspect wanted

A Euclid officer was shot after he was “ambushed” while responding to a disturbance call over the weekend, and a suspect was being sought, authorities said Sunday.

In a new press release, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost identified the officer as Jacob Derbin.

According to the press release, Euclid is requesting assistance from the Attorney General’s Criminal Investigation Division in the case.

In a police report, Euclid police have identified Deshawn Anthony Vaughn as a suspect and are asking the public to look for a white makeshift 2017 Volkswagen Passat with a license plate. The press release states that he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Euclid police said officers were dispatched to a home shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday for a reported disturbance.

“While police were investigating, a gunman ambushed an officer and struck him with gunfire,” police said. The officer, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries, police said.

The authorities said “several law enforcement agencies” were involved in the search for the person responsible.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office posted photos online of Vaughn, the 24-year-old suspect, and the wanted vehicle. WKYC reported that residents living on the street reported hearing about a dozen gunshots.

Euclid police in a statement early Sunday asked people to “keep the fallen officer, his family, loved ones and our agency in your thoughts and prayers.”
WJW reported that the officer is a military veteran and has been on the force for less than two years.

“He was an amazing person. Just a great heart. Had an incredible smile. The world is a better place with him,” said Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.

Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail said in a statement on Sunday: “We are struggling with a deep sense of sadness and disbelief.” The mayor called on the community to “come together in solidarity and support, not just to honor a hero who selflessly sacrificed us served and protected, but also to give strength to one another in this time of grief.”

News-Herald staff writer Frank Mecham contributed to this report.