A first-year Ohio police officer died after he was fatally shot Saturday during a Mother’s Day weekend ambush.
Euclid Police Department Officer Jacob Derbin was killed in the line of duty after he responded to an aggravated menacing report around 9:56 p.m. in the greater Cleveland area, according to Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.
While checking out the scene, the suspect, identified as Deshawn Anthony Vaughn, ambushed the officer and National Guard veteran and shot him.
Derbin was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“The promise to protect is signed with the blood of our officers,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.
“It is a cruel irony that a mother lost her son on Mother’s Day, and that this murder happened just as we prepare to solemnize our fallen during Police Memorial Week. My heart burns with anger at this injustice, for the family of this young officer and the Euclid Police Department.”
Meyer echoed the attorney general’s sentiment during an emotional press conference.
“Officer Derbin was properly sworn in to the Euclid Police Department on July 24, 2023. During his brief time with the department, he served the residents and business owners of Euclid, as well as his fellow officers, with dedication, honor, and professionalism,” Meyer said.
“His kind heart and enormous smile were infectious. The world was a better place with him in it, and he will be desperately missed by all who knew him,” he continued. “My heart absolutely breaks. He’s 23 years old. I want the public to understand what this looks like. I want them to understand the repercussions of this violence.”
Derbin’s father is also a Euclid police officer, and the young officer’s death has greatly affected the department.
“I go to bed every night hoping I won’t get this information, and my worst nightmare has come true,” Meyer said.
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Vaughn was declared dead Sunday following a manhunt.
Derbin is survived by his fiancee and extended family.
