LIMA, Ohio — A Friday night traffic stop in Lima that evolved into a gunfight left three people hospitalized and seven officers on administrative leave, police reported Sunday in an update on the case.

‘We are sharing verified updates and next steps in the interest of transparency and community trust,” Lima Mayor Sharetta T. Smith and Police Chief Curtis L. Hile said in a joint statement following initial reports of the incident.

The traffic stop began on St. Johns Avenue just north of Second Street at 10:44 p.m.

“Emerson Jeffrey produced a handgun and fired upon officers striking an officer. Officers returned fire striking Mr. Jeffrey which neutralized the threat,” the mayor and police chief said.

Mr. Jeffrey was first transported to Lima Memorial Hospital and later to the Wexner Medi

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