Mental Ill Man Waving Gun At His Neighbors Comes Close to Death

This critical incident community briefing is intended to provide you with information regarding an Officer Involved Shooting, resulting from an incident that occurred near 2100 W. Sylvania in the City of Toledo on June 19th, 2024

We are currently in the initial stages of a comprehensive investigation into the use of force incident. It's important to note that our understanding of the incident may evolve as we gather and review additional evidence. We refrain from making conclusions about the officers' adherence to policies and laws until all facts are thoroughly examined and the investigation is finalized.

On June 19, 2024, Toledo Police responded to the area of 2100 W. Sylvania Ave. about a male with no shirt waving a gun and making homicidal threats. When an officer arrived on scene, the armed suspect fled, eventually leading to an exchange of gunfire with the officer.

The suspect was identified as Joshua Garner.

On June 19, 2024, at approximately 2:15 PM, Lucas County Dispatch received calls of a shirtless man walking on W. Sylvania towards the Toledo Police Northwest Substation with a gun. Other callers reported that the suspect was waving the gun and threatening to kill someone.

While arriving on scene, the officer observed Mr. Garner run southbound between the houses in the 2300 block of W. Sylvania. The officer searched and located Garner in a back yard. Mr. Garner failed to obey verbal commands and fled with gun in hand towards Charlestown.

As the officer gave chase, Garner stopped in a driveway in the 2300 block of Charlestown, held the gun to his head, and began to fully undress. The officer took cover behind a vehicle and attempted to deescalate the incident. Mr. Garner refused to comply, and once fully nude, continued running with the gun down Charlestown towards Kershaw.

As the officer gave chase, Garner continued to ignore the officer’s commands, and pointed the gun at the officer while fleeing. The officer then fired multiple rounds at the suspect with his department issued handgun. As the suspect continued onto Kershaw, he fired multiple rounds back at the officer.

As the suspect was fleeing down Kershaw, other officers began to arrive on scene. The suspect eventually threw his gun, and was taken into custody without further incident in the 2400 block of Georgetown.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital as a precaution. It was later found that the suspect had a felony warrant for Domestic Violence.

JOSHUA GARNER was charged with Assault on a Peace Officer, a felony of the first degree. No one was injured during the incident.

The Toledo Police (officer) who fired their weapons will be placed on paid Administrative Leave per collective bargaining agreements.

This Investigation will be reviewed by Investigative Services and the Internal Affairs Bureau for adherence to laws, and department policy and procedures.