Suspect wanted for fatal shooting of Euclid Police officer dead after SWAT standoff

The search for a suspect, Deshawn A. Vaughn, wanted for the fatal shooting of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin, ended in Shaker Heights Sunday evening with Vaughn's death following an hours-long SWAT standoff at an apartment complex on Van Aken Boulevard, according to multiple sources.

During an evening news conference, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot confirmed that Vaughn was found dead in an apartment. He was heavily armed when his body was found.

"The manhunt is now over," Elliot said.

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer broke down during the news conference and said, "My heart absolutely breaks. He's 23 years old."

Officer Jacob Derbin

Derbin was shot in an "ambush" while responding to a disturbance at a home in the 300 block of East 211th Street just before 10 p.m., Saturday, authorities said.

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The officer was transported to University Hospitals, where he died from his injuries, according to police.

According to Meyer, Derbin served Euclid residents since he joined the department on July 24, 2023, with "dedication, honor and professionalism. His kind heart and enormous smile were infectious. He will be missed by all who know him."

Derbin is a veteran who served in the Army Reserves. He was engaged, and his wedding was set to happen this summer.

"He was a gentle giant, Meyer said. "He loved public service. This is somebody who’s still in the army reserves, who’s served his country. Public service meant everything to him."

Derbin's father is also a police officer for the city of Euclid, according to the chief.

"He was a kind of happy-go-lucky kind of a guy," Meyer said. "He just loved public service and loved being here. He was that rare find, and I’m devastated, and his family is obviously devastated."

Law enforcement officials praise fallen officer, offer details in death of suspect:

Manhunt for suspect

Euclid Police said they were originally called to the home for a report of aggravated menacing. The caller said her child's father had threatened to harm her and her mother.

The caller told police Vaughn was on foot and nearby, causing officers to check the backyard, which is when the ambush occurred, police said.

Following Derbin's fatal shooting, the suspect, 24-year-old Deshawn Anthony Vaughn, fled Euclid and traveled to Shaker Heights. Law enforcement later tracked him down at an apartment complex on Van Aken Boulevard. A SWAT standoff ensued for several hours and ended with the suspect's death.

When asked what led police to the Shaker Heights apartment, Pete Elliott of the U.S. Marshals said, "It was good police work and not a tip that led us to that address. USMS Task Force was up all night thru Mother’s Day following up all leads."

Police need your help

Euclid Police are asking residents to keep an eye out for a cell phone. The department posted on Facebook a map of the area — East 211th Street to East 222nd — where the phone may be located. While the post references an "ongoing case" and doesn't mention this case specifically, the mapped-out area includes the location where Derbin was shot and the suspect fled.

Anyone who locates a phone is asked to call detectives at 216-289-8505.

Officials respond

Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail released the following statement about the shooting that read, in part:

The mayor said she was grateful for the community's support following Derbin's death and called the officer a "wonderful young man, committed to the community, commited to service— he will be greatly missed by all."

"Despite this horrific tragedy there is hope, and we will get through this. We really appreciate the sentiments, the thoughts, the food, the flowers, the texts and calls we have received— sharing prayers, thoughts and strength," Holzheimer Gail said. "We will work hard together as a community to get the suspect in custody and move forward as a community. Our sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family."

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following statement Sunday afternoon:

Flags lowered

Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags lowered in honor of Derbin at all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Bern Riffe Center and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus until sunset on the day of his funeral.

The scene overnight Saturday

News 5 had a crew on the scene and saw a chopper in the air along with officers from Cleveland Heights, South Euclid, University Heights, Cleveland, East Cleveland, Lyndhurst, the Sheriff's Department and Wickliffe on the scene.

Our crew saw officers instruct at least one individual to exit a home with their hands up on East 211th Street, where they were barricaded.

News 5 photographer Mike Vielhaber said he saw one armed person being arrested in the street. It's unclear what that person's involvement with the shooting was.

The Euclid Police Department said that the surrounding departments on the scene were assisting them in "locating the suspect or suspects responsible for [the officer's] death."

Authorities are asking the community to keep the fallen officer, his family and loved ones and the department in their prayers.