Elyria Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, March 15, 2010
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 177
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 15, 2010
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Sergeant James Kerstetter was shot and killed after responding to a call at a home on 18th Street. A mother had called 911 to report that a neighbor had exposed himself to her child and kicked in a window in her home.
The suspect opened fire on officers after they located him at his residence, wounding Sergeant Kerstetter. Other officers returned fire and killed the suspect. Sergeant Kerstetter was transported to EMH Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Sergeant Kerstetter had served with the Elyria Police Department for 15 years and had previously served with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Kerstetter is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Sergeant Kerstetter was promoted to the rank of Sergeant posthumously.