EASTLAKE, Ohio — On the evening of Thursday, June 12, 2025, the quiet suburb of Cleveland, Eastlake, was shaken by two incidents that unfolded with alarming speed: an accidental shooting at the local Sherwin Shooting Sports range and a multi-vehicle crash involving five cars, including two police vehicles, which occurred as officers were rushing to the scene. These events, taking place against the backdrop of an ordinary evening, left five people hospitalized and raised serious questions about safety at gun establishments and the chaos that can accompany police emergency response.
Around 7:10 p.m. local time, Eastlake police responded to a call from the 33000 block of Vine Street, where a shooting had occurred at Sherwin Shooting Sports, a popular venue among local shooting enthusiasts. According to Police Chief Michael Werner, the incident was accidental: one of the range staff unintentionally fired, injuring another employee. “It was not a malicious act, but a tragic mistake,” Werner stated in a press release. The victim, whose name has not been released, was immediately taken to UH Lake West Medical Center by Eastlake Fire Department after officers provided first aid on the scene. The victim’s condition remains unknown, but hospital sources report that the wounds are not life-threatening.[](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/eastlake-officers-involved-in-multi-vehicle-crash-while-responding-to-shooting)[](https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/06/13/2-eastlake-officers-2-civilians-hospitalized-after-crash-while-responding-shooting-police/)
Crash on the way to rescue
While police units hurried to the shooting scene, another drama unfolded at the intersection of State Route 91 and Glen Drive. Two Eastlake patrol cars, with sirens blaring, were involved in a crash with five other vehicles. According to police, the collision was caused by challenging weather conditions and the heavy traffic typical of the evening rush hour in this area. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene: a white sedan flipped onto its side, its roof cut open by rescuers to extract the driver, while nearby an overturned police car and a dark gray van created a tangled mass of metal.[](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/eastlake-officers-involved-in-multi-vehicle-crash-while-responding-to-shooting)
Two Eastlake police officers and two civilians sustained injuries that, according to preliminary reports, are not life-threatening. All injured parties were transported to UH Lake West and Hillcrest hospitals, where they are receiving treatment. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these incidents,” said Werner. “We wish them a speedy recovery.” The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Lake County accident reconstruction team, an independent agency separate from the Eastlake Police Department, to ensure impartiality.[](https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/06/13/2-eastlake-officers-2-civilians-hospitalized-after-crash-while-responding-shooting-police/)
A shooting range with a history
Sherwin Shooting Sports, located at 33140 Vine Street, is a well-known establishment in Northeast Ohio, operating since 1971. With 14 shooting lanes and a reputation for quality service, the range attracts both beginners and experienced shooters. However, this is not the first time the facility has made headlines due to accidents. In 2012, a similar accidental shooting occurred here when a bullet fired by a visitor passed through a booth wall and injured another patron. The injured person was airlifted to MetroHealth Clinic in Cleveland.[](https://www.news-herald.com/2012/01/24/man-shot-at-eastlake-shooting-range/amp/)
This incident also raised safety concerns at Sherwin Shooting Sports. Local gun control advocate Janet Polson commented: “Ranges like Sherwin should exemplify safety standards, but repeated incidents make us question whether they are sufficiently regulated.” The range owner, Blake Federick, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation, but in previous interviews emphasized strict safety rules such as banning rapid fire and using video surveillance.[](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/stephens-spent-time-at-eastlake-gun-range-months-before-fatal-shooting)
Shadow of tension
The crash and shooting in Eastlake occurred during a period of heightened community tension over recent regional incidents. In nearby Painesville, a shooting last week claimed one life, prompting local organizations to offer psychological support and call for changes in gun legislation. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, concerns are growing about car thefts used in violent crimes, increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies.[](https://www.news-herald.com)[](https://www.newsbreak.com/eastlake-oh)
Eastlake residents, known as the “Crown Jewel of Lake County,” are shaken by these events. “It’s a quiet place where people simply live their lives,” said local resident Martha King, who witnessed the crash from her window. “But when you hear sirens and see overturned cars, you start worrying about everyone’s safety.”
A look into the future
Both the shooting and the crash are under close investigation. Eastlake police promise to release additional information once the investigations are complete, but it is already clear that these events will have long-term implications. For officers risking their lives rushing to calls, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of their work. For the community, it’s a call to reevaluate safety measures at places where gun use is part of daily life.
As Eastlake recovers from the upheaval, one thing remains certain: in a world where accident can lead to chaos, vigilance and responsibility are the only guarantees of safety. For those affected last Thursday evening, the path to recovery has just begun, but for the Eastlake community, it is a moment for reflection on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
