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Westerville officers fatally shot in the line of duty

Two police officers were killed Saturday morning while responding to a 911 hang-up call involving possible domestic violence. 

Officers Eric Joering, 39, and Anthony Morelli, 54, responded to a 911 hang-up call regarding a potential domestic situation on Saturday Feb. 10. Both officers were shot soon after arriving to the scene, according to Westerville Division of Police Chief Joe Morbitzer.  

Joering died at the scene. Morelli was transported to the Ohio Wexner Medical Center and later died. 

Joering is survived by a wife and four daughters. Morelli is survived by a wife and two children. 

Shooting suspect Quentin Lamar Smith, 30, was transported to a nearby hospital. The nature of his injuries have not been released. 

Wife of the shooting suspect Candace Smith, 33, had asked for protection orders against Lamar Smith on Nov. 29, according to police. She accused her husband of threatening to kill her, their daughter and himself. She told police he had a gun.

Saturday night, President Donald Trump and Governor John Kasich offered their condolences via Twitter. Over 30 police cars were lined up on State Street in front of the police department.


Sunday, Joering and Morelli's car was placed on the lawn of Westerville City hall to commemorate the officers. 

A vigil will be held at First Responders Park on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. 


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