Obetz woman Arrested in Connection to Mifflin Township Police Shooting Case
Jayla Call Arrested in Connection to Mifflin Township Police Shooting Case
A woman from Obetz, Ohio, has been arrested in connection with the Mifflin Township police shooting case involving 21-year-old Daveonte Dixon, who allegedly shot two officers after fleeing a traffic stop.
Jayla Call, 31, now faces two third-degree felony charges — obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence — for allegedly trying to alter, destroy, or conceal important records linked to the ongoing investigation. According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, her charges stem from her association with Dixon, who was found at her apartment in Obetz on May 30.
Officers arrested Call on May 31, and she is currently being held at the Franklin County Corrections Center. Her arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 2, with no bond set at this time.
Dixon was critically injured from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Obetz residence when deputies served a warrant. He was later transported to Grant Medical Center.
This incident remains under investigation and has drawn significant attention from Columbus-area law enforcement and media outlets.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Obetz woman arrested and the Mifflin Township police shooting case.
Emergency responders at the site of the fatal car-pedestrian accident in Franklin Township.
A Woman is Dead After Being Hit by a Car in Franklin Township Early Sunday Morning
A tragic incident occurred early Sunday in Franklin Township, Columbus, Ohio, where a woman was killed after being struck by a car. According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 12:25 a.m., a 2024 Honda Civic was driving eastbound on West Broad Street near Broadlawn Avenue when the vehicle hit the pedestrian.
The victim was immediately transported to Doctors West Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m. The driver of the Honda remained at the scene and was unharmed, along with their passenger.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash and requests that anyone with information contact the Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.
Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday Expands to Two Weeks This August
Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday Expands to Two Weeks This August
Columbus, Ohio – Shoppers in Ohio can look forward to significant savings this summer as the state announces a two-week sales tax holiday running from August 1 to August 14, 2025. This extended holiday aims to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the back-to-school season and offer relief on a wider range of household purchases.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the broader impact, noting that this year’s Ohio sales tax break supports families not only with school supplies but with other essential items as well.
What’s Included in the 2025 Ohio Tax-Free Holiday?
During this tax-free period, eligible purchases under $500—whether bought in-store or online—will be exempt from sales tax. Items such as clothing, school supplies, electronics, and various household goods are included.
However, the tax holiday does not apply to:
Services
Motor vehicles
Watercraft and outboard motors
Alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, or marijuana
Shoppers can take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to stretch their budget and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Becky Gillespie Sentenced to 23 Years for Child Exploitation in Columbus, Ohio
Becky Gillespie sentenced to 23 years for child sexual exploitation in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus, Ohio – Becky Gillespie was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography. This disturbing case has shocked the Columbus community and highlights the dangers of online child abuse.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, the 29-year-old Columbus woman used Snapchat in December 2023 to send or offer to send graphic videos involving a 3-year-old girl. These videos showed Gillespie engaging in sexually explicit acts with the child.
The investigation began after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from the Australian Federal Police, which reported that Gillespie shared the content using the handle “beckygilles2023.” Authorities uncovered three photos and nine videos, with at least three videos showing sexual acts involving the minor.
Gillespie was arrested on January 12, 2024, and later accepted a plea agreement. On May 28, Becky Gillespie was sentenced to 23 years in prison for child exploitation and 20 years for distribution of child pornography, to be served concurrently. She was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and will remain under lifetime supervised release.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the crimes and the importance of holding offenders accountable. The sentencing reflects a joint international effort to fight child sexual abuse and online exploitation.
One Dead, One Injured in Mifflin Township House Fire
One Dead, One Injured in Mifflin Township House Fire
A devastating early morning house fire on Friday, May 30, in Mifflin Township, Columbus, Ohio, left one man dead and another injured. Firefighters responded around 7:00 a.m. to the 2600 block of Baughman Avenue following reports of thick smoke and visible flames.
According to Mifflin Township Fire Chief Brian Dunlevy, a man outside the residence informed emergency responders that his brother was still trapped inside. Fire crews quickly entered the structure and later found one man deceased. While the Franklin County Coroner has not officially identified the victim, officials believe he is the brother of the man who escaped.
The surviving man was treated on-site for smoke inhalation and declined hospital care. Firefighters managed to control and extinguish the blaze swiftly. Dunlevy noted that foul play is not suspected, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
SWAT team arrests Daveonte Dixon, the suspect in the Mifflin Township police shooting, in southeast Columbus.
Daveonte Dixon, Suspect Shooter of Two Mifflin Township Officers, Arrested in Obetz
Columbus, Ohio — Daveonte Dixon, the suspect shooter involved in the Mifflin Township police shooting that injured two officers on Wednesday night, has been arrested, law enforcement confirmed on Friday evening.
The 21-year-old was located at an apartment complex near Thelma Drive and Bridlewood Boulevard in Obetz, just southeast of Columbus. A SWAT team entered the apartment and found Dixon with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition. Authorities confirmed that no officers discharged their weapons during the arrest.
A $40,000 reward was offered for information leading to his capture. Dixon faces one count of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault.
The shooting occurred near Mecca Road and Purde Avenue, in northeast Columbus, during a traffic stop. According to Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Dixon, who was a passenger, fled the vehicle and opened fire on two Mifflin Township officers. The driver cooperated and was later released.
One officer has since been discharged from the hospital, while the second continues to recover after undergoing a second surgery.
Two additional Columbus police officers were injured in a car crash while responding to the “officer down” call. They were treated and released the same day.
This is the third high-profile incident involving Ohio law enforcement in May. Earlier in the week, Deputy Daniel Sherrer of Morrow County was shot and killed in a domestic incident. In a separate case earlier this month, Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson died after being struck by a car while directing traffic.
Law enforcement agencies across Franklin County continue to emphasize their commitment to justice and the safety of the Columbus community.
Hilliard’s First City Manager, Michelle Crandall, Announces Resignation After Over 5 Years of Service
Hilliard’s First City Manager, Michelle Crandall, Announces Resignation After Over 5 Years of Service
The City of Hilliard has announced that its first-ever city manager, Michelle Crandall, will be stepping down from her position after more than five years of dedicated service. Crandall’s final day in office will be July 25, 2025.
She has accepted a new executive leadership role as Chief Member Services Officer at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), headquartered in Washington, D.C. Her departure marks a significant leadership transition for the city.
“This was a very tough decision,” Crandall shared in a press statement released May 27. “The opportunity to contribute to ICMA and give back to a profession that shaped my career is an honor I couldn’t pass up.”
Crandall took office in January 2020 after Hilliard residents voted in 2018 to adopt a new city governance model. Before her appointment, she served nearly three decades with the City of Dublin, including key roles as Deputy and Assistant City Manager.
“Hilliard is a vibrant community, and I’m proud of the achievements we’ve made together. We’ve built a workplace culture that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery,” said Crandall.
As Hilliard looks to the future, city council members are now tasked with appointing the next city manager. According to the city charter, a two-thirds council majority must approve the selection, and an interim appointment can be made via resolution. No official timeline for the transition has been confirmed, according to city spokesperson David Ball.
The new city manager will be responsible for overseeing all municipal departments, managing personnel, developing city budgets, and collaborating with the city council on administrative priorities.
Stay tuned for updates as Hilliard begins its search for new leadership.
One Mifflin Township Officer discharged from hospital After Columbus Shooting
One Mifflin Township Officer discharged from Hospital After Columbus Shooting
Columbus, Ohio – One of the two Mifflin Township police officers injured during a traffic stop shooting in northeast Columbus has been released from Grant Medical Center, according to Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 President Brian Steel.
The shooting occurred Wednesday evening near Mecca Road and Perdue Avenue, when Mifflin Township officers conducted a routine traffic stop. During the encounter, 21-year-old Daveonte Dixon, the passenger in the vehicle, fled on foot. Authorities say that approximately four minutes later, Dixon turned and fired at both officers in what Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin described as an “unprovoked attack.”
Officer Recovery and Investigation
Both officers sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Grant Medical Center. While one officer was listed in stable condition and discharged the following day, the second officer remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit following emergency surgery.
As of now, Dixon remains at large. He is wanted for attempted murder and felonious assault in connection to the shooting. Law enforcement agencies across Central Ohio are actively pursuing leads.
$10,000 Reward Offered
The Fraternal Order of Police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers have issued a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to Dixon’s arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward immediately.
If you have tips or know Dixon’s whereabouts, please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (614) 525-3350.
Law enforcement at the scene near Mecca Road after two Mifflin Township officers were shot
Two Mifflin Township Police Officers Shot During Traffic Stop in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio — Two Mifflin Township police officers were shot during a routine traffic stop near Mecca Road and Perdue Avenue in Columbus on Wednesday evening, according to Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin.
The traffic stop occurred around 6:45 PM. Within minutes of initiating contact with the vehicle’s driver, a passenger fled the scene on foot. While being pursued by officers, the passenger unexpectedly turned and opened fire, striking both officers. Sheriff Baldwin described the shooting as “unprovoked.”
Both officers were transported to Grant Medical Center. One officer, initially listed in critical condition, has been stabilized. The second officer remains in stable condition as well, according to Brian Steel of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9.
The armed suspect, a man believed to be around 30 years old wearing a gray shirt and camouflage pants, is currently on the run. Authorities warn he is considered armed and dangerous.
Several law enforcement agencies, including Columbus Police, Gahanna Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Mifflin Township Fire Department, responded to the incident. A police helicopter was deployed to assist in the manhunt.
Columbus Police initially detained the driver, who cooperated with investigators and has since been released.
In a separate but related incident, two Columbus officers were involved in a traffic accident at Weber Road and Cleveland Avenue while responding to the emergency. Both are in stable condition.
The search for the suspect continues, and authorities are urging residents to stay alert and report any sightings.
Teamsters Local 284 members protest outside Sutphen Corp’s Columbus-area firetruck plant.
Union Workers Strike at Columbus Firetruck Manufacturer Sutphen Corp
Columbus, Ohio – The union workers strike at Columbus firetruck manufacturer Sutphen Corp is making headlines as more than 85 employees represented by Teamsters Local 284 walk off the job, citing the company’s refusal to negotiate a new labor contract.
The strike, officially announced on May 28, 2025, follows months of stalled negotiations and marks a significant disruption in the operations of Sutphen Corp, which supplies the majority of Columbus’ firefighting vehicles.
City officials, including the Columbus City Council, have expressed serious concerns. In mid-May, Council debated whether to move forward with a $2.5 million ladder truck purchase from Sutphen. Ultimately, the council passed the contract — but only with provisions that protect the city in the event of strike-related delays.
Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, chair of the Public Safety Committee, stated that the approved contract includes a liquidated damages clause and conditions to cancel the order if Sutphen fails to deliver due to the strike. Additionally, any use of nonunion replacement workers (scabs) could be considered a breach of contract.
A spokesperson from the mayor’s office confirmed that the city is currently under a $5.5 million contract for five pumper trucks ordered last year. The ladder truck deal is still in negotiation.
The union claims Sutphen has refused to meet until June 23, despite workers going without a contract since October 12, 2024. According to union leadership, workers haven’t received a wage increase since October 2023, and the company has had seven unfair labor practice charges filed against it since last August.
Mark Vandak, president of Teamsters Local 284, accused the company of arrogance:
“Sutphen arrogantly claimed they were too busy to meet. This is unacceptable behavior from a company that profits off taxpayer-funded contracts.”
In April 2025, the company reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board, agreeing to stop anti-union practices. Yet tensions remain high.
Union steward Jerry Becker commented:
“My co-workers and I are fed up with Sutphen’s refusal to bargain in good faith. No one is above the law.”
Sutphen responded in a written statement saying they are committed to “good faith negotiations”and have multiple future meeting dates scheduled.
With Columbus firefighters raising concerns about aging equipment and supply delays, the union workers strike at Columbus firetruck manufacturer Sutphen Corp may have far-reaching effects on both public safety and labor policy in Ohio.
