Lima Police & Mayor Press Briefing Summary
Date: January 13, 2026
A major coordinated law enforcement effort took place early this morning in Lima, Ohio, resulting in multiple arrests, seizures, and the execution of nine search warrants across the city. The operation was officially titled “Operation New Beginnings” and was carried out with support from both local and state agencies.
Overview
Law enforcement launched the operation to disrupt organized drug activity, illegal firearm possession, and alleged gambling-related crimes. The warrants were served simultaneously at several addresses around Lima.
Warrant Locations
- 703 Faurot Avenue
- 707 Faurot Avenue
- 332 South Metcalf Street
- 332½ South Metcalf Street
- 403 South Metcalf Street
- 1020 Faurot Avenue
- 521 East 4th Street
- 1513 West Wayne Street
- 1515 Harding Highway (referred to during the briefing as “Jackpot Zone”)
Arrests & Charges
Four individuals were arrested as part of the operation. All are being charged with Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, a serious felony under Ohio law often associated with long-term or organized criminal conduct.
Individuals Arrested:
- Jaquavius Carter
- Cantrell Island
- De Jure Gibson
- Jordan Davis
Items Seized
- 3 vehicles
- 2 semi-automatic handguns
- Financial evidence (under review)
Statements from Officials
Police Chief Howe:
“This was a coordinated effort between local and state agencies. A large-scale criminal network was broken up today. The goal is to improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods.”
Lt. Matt Crowe, Ohio State Highway Patrol:
“We provided support as part of Ohio’s violent crime reduction initiative. Lima is one of several cities in northwest Ohio we’re focusing on.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith:
“To the residents of the neighborhoods targeted this morning: for too long you’ve lived with activity you knew wasn’t right. Today is evidence that we heard you.”
“We’re doing the hard work with prevention, intervention, and enforcement — and today, you saw the enforcement arm.”
Community Impact
Officials believe the dismantling of this network will have an immediate positive effect on quality of life in the affected areas. The city’s leadership reaffirmed their commitment to public safety and collaborative law enforcement efforts.
Full Transcript: City of Lima Press Briefing on “Operation New Beginnings”
Held January 13, 2026 • Transcribed from official city briefing • Cleaned slightly for clarity
Chief Howe:
All right. Welcome everyone — welcome to our media partners and community members. We wanted to announce the effort of an operation that just took place this morning.Some people may have seen a large presence of law enforcement in the community. That was the execution of Operation New Beginnings, a coordinated effort aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, illegal firearm activity, and illegal gambling within the community.
This operation resulted in the execution of nine search warrants across multiple locations this morning and involved an extensive collaboration between local and state law enforcement agencies.
The warrants were executed at the following addresses:
- 703 Faurot Avenue
- 707 Faurot Avenue
- 332 South Metcalf Street
- 332½ South Metcalf Street
- 403 South Metcalf Street
- 1020 Faurot Avenue
- 521 East 4th Street
- 1513 West Wayne Street
- 1515 Harding Highway
This effort resulted in four arrests for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, which is a felony-level crime.
Individuals arrested include:
- Jaquavius Carter
- Cantrell Island
- De Jure Gibson
- Jordan Davis
The operation also led to the closure of the Jackpot Zone, located at 1515 Harding Highway. Three vehicles were seized, two semi-automatic handguns were recovered, and financial evidence is currently under review.
The important thing to remember is that a large-scale criminal network was broken up today — one that was impacting the quality of life for residents in these neighborhoods. We hope this will lead to significant improvements going forward.
Now I’d like to turn it over to one of our partners, Staff Lieutenant Matt Crowe from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Staff Lt. Matt Crowe (Ohio State Highway Patrol):
Good afternoon. As part of the Director of Public Safety’s violent crime reduction initiative, the Highway Patrol regularly partners with agencies across the state of Ohio. Here in the Findlay District, which includes Lima and Allen County, our Special Response Team partnered with the Lima Police Department to execute these warrants.We were invited in by LPD to provide assets they may have needed during this operation. This is something we’re doing across Ohio, and Lima is one of the cities we’re focusing on as part of this statewide initiative.
Chief Howe: Thank you, Lieutenant.
Mayor Sharetta Smith:
Thank you all for being here. As mayor, I’ve said from day one that the health and safety of our residents is my number one job. It’s the foundation of everything else we’re building in Lima.If families don’t feel safe in their homes… if children can’t walk to the park without fear… if these activities continue in our neighborhoods, then we’re not meeting even the most basic obligations as a city.
As Chief Howe said, today we are taking a major step in meeting those obligations.
To the residents of the neighborhoods targeted this morning: for too long, you’ve lived with activity that you knew wasn’t right. You’ve suspected drug dealing. You’ve seen your corners taken over. You’ve watched cars come and go at all hours of the night. You’ve stayed up with anxiety wondering if your kids were safe to play outside.
And you called in. You reported it. And our officers stayed vigilant. Today is proof that we heard you.
Because of the coordinated work that took place, these neighborhoods will see a different start in 2026.
Let me be clear: safety is a fundamental human right. This administration will not tolerate activity that compromises the physical or mental health of our residents and neighborhoods.
We are committed to an environment where every resident in Lima can breathe easy. We’re not just talking about crime — we’re talking about community health. Illegal drug sales bring violence, instability, health crises, and the erosion of peace of mind.
This success is only possible because of coordination and trust. I want to thank our law enforcement officers for your discipline and professionalism. Thank you to our partners for standing with Lima. These partnerships allow us to work together to make our city safe again.
We’re doing the hard work — prevention, intervention… and yes, enforcement. And today, what you saw was the enforcement arm.
Thank you all for coming. We’ll now take questions.