0800-0945 | The Murder of Euclid Officer Jacob Derbin & Multi-Agency Manhunt

On the night of May 11, 2023, Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin was tragically ambushed and killed while responding to a disturbance call. Officer Derbin and two other officers arrived at a residence after a woman reported that her ex-boyfriend—the father of her child—was lurking outside, sending threats to kill her. She informed officers that he was likely in the backyard, prompting them to investigate.

As Officer Derbin checked the area, the suspect launched a deadly ambush. Despite suffering fatal injuries, Officer Derbin was able to warn his fellow officers of the threat. Officers returned fire, but the suspect fled on foot. This triggered a massive multi-agency manhunt that ultimately ended in a lengthy standoff, where the suspect took his own life.

Debrief Overview:

This session will examine:

• Patrol Response: Initial call handling, officer approach, and response tactics.
• Tactical Intervention: Decision-making under fire and the immediate counterattack.
• Medical Care: Treatment efforts for Officer Derbin and on-scene medical response.
• Command Decisions: Coordination of resources and strategic planning throughout the manhunt.
• Lessons Learned: Key takeaways for law enforcement agencies in handling ambush incidents and multi-agency operations.

1015-1215 | The Murder of Constable Andrew Hong & Tactical Engagement

On September 12, 2022, Toronto Police Constable Andrew Hong was ambushed and killed while on a break at a Tim Hortons during a training course. The assailant continued a violent spree, fatally shooting a second victim during a carjacking before escaping. The suspect then targeted a nearby business, murdering two more individuals and attempting to kill three others.

Following an extensive manhunt, the suspect was located hours later in a cemetery. As officers attempted to apprehend him, he ambushed two detectives, initiating a shootout. Tactical officers, positioned just feet away, engaged the suspect in a gun battle, ultimately neutralizing the threat.

Debrief Overview:

This session will provide a comprehensive analysis, including:

• Investigative Insights: A breakdown of investigative findings, including pre-attack behaviors, surveillance footage, and drone imagery of critical locations.
• Incident Timeline: A step-by-step reconstruction of the events, focusing on officer response, tactical decision-making, and engagement strategies.
• Firsthand Perspective: Insights from tactical officers directly involved in the confrontation, reflecting on operational challenges and lessons learned.
• Operational Response: Key takeaways on responding to multi-scene violent incidents, interagency coordination, and officer safety considerations.