How suspect avoided police before Officer Derbin’s death: I-Team

EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found a suspected cop-killer could have been taken off the streets before the shooting.

The man blamed for the shooting of Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin had been wanted on warrants. So, we investigated what had been done to find him.

We’ve now obtained a chilling phone call just before that shooting.

The suspect managed to avoid the law while accused of repeatedly terrorizing an ex-lover and her family.

Saturday night, police say the suspect hid in the shadows, then he ambushed officer Derbin.

Police went to that home after a woman called 911 and said, ”then, he just texted me and said, ‘you’re going to wish you never called your mom and just let me see my kid. You’re going to find out what happens when you turn a great man bad.’ So, he threatened to shoot me and my mother.”

At the doorway, the woman told police, “I don’t know. I don’t feel safe. I understand you are the police, but I don’t feel safe,” and “he has on all black. He was literally standing right there, literally right here.”

Police say as officer Derbin went to check the back yard, De’Shawn Vaughn opened fire.

We found Vaughn had warrants out for attacking his child’s mother, threatening her and shooting her brother nine times, leaving him critically hurt. He also had a warrant for his arrest for violating parole.

All of that before the shooting of officer Derbin.

This week, his mother spoke out.

“The system needs to be better. People need to do better. This did not have to happen,” said Dawn Derbin.

Cleveland police issued a statement:

“The Cleveland Division of Police is steadfast in its commitment to promptly and decisively investigate incidents of violence. Following the receipt of multiple police reports naming De’Shawn Vaughn as a suspect, our Division diligently initiated an investigation into the allegations against him. Our detectives employed various investigative techniques, utilized technology and engaged in discussions with the victims to identify probable cause to arrest Vaughn. As a result of our efforts, a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Vaughn was issued. The Division of Police, working in partnership with the US Marshals (Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force) began to actively investigate this case.

“ Due to the sensitive nature of law enforcement operations, we refrain from disclosing specific details regarding our efforts to locate Vaughn. Nevertheless, it is imperative to emphasize that any act of violence is thoroughly investigated by our Division and in this case, in partnership of the US Marshals NOVFT. Individuals suspected of such crimes, will be actively sought after and arrested as swiftly as possible.”

US Marshal Pete Elliott tells us his investigators had started trying to find this suspect. However, he says Marshals had just received warrants for the latest incidents the day before the shooting of officer Derbin.

Records show in 2021, the suspect had plead guilty to charges for stolen property and a weapon. But, an additional gun charge was dropped. That charge that would have added three years to the sentence.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors issued a statement:

“The supervisor who marked this case felt that given the facts of the case, this plea would be appropriate. Vaughn pleaded guilty to the highest count (a third-degree felony) and this case did not involve any violent behavior. He was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for a trafficking infraction. He was sentenced to a prison term of nine months and served his time.”

“That individual is solely responsible for all of this carnage. Period,” said Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.

He does not blame cracks in the justice system for the death of his officer, but the chief does not want to see any more plea deals with guns.

“The gun specs add mandatory time to these sentences. I don’t want these negotiated anymore. These should be non-negotiable,” Meyer said.

Investigators say the suspect took his own life during a standoff Sunday evening.

But, until then, he had stayed on the streets despite warrants and a past involving guns.

Investigators also admit, overall, they do not have enough officers to find everyone wanted for a crime.

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