Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS

An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.

from Staff
January 14, 2026
Blue-tinted background photo of hand hanging up an office phone and headline Richmond Heights PD: Harassment and Threats Will Be Addressed Accordingly

A small police department in Ohio is being harassed because of the name of one of its officers.

Credit:

POLICE

1 min to read


A Northern Ohio police department has faced harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Richmond Heights Police Department turned to social media and noted that the ICE agent in the officer-involved shooting had been identified as Jonathan Ross. Richmond Heights likewise has a Jonathan Ross, but the two are unrelated.

Ad Loading...

“Our department has received multiple harassing phone calls and social media messages directed at the Richmond Heights Police Department and referencing that incident,” the police department said online.

The local police department further explained how its Sgt. Jonathan Ross is not the same officer who now works for ICE.

“Sgt. Ross has been employed by the Richmond Heights Police Department since 2013 and does not currently work for, nor has he ever worked for, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the post said.

The Richmond Heights Police Department urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to recognize that individuals may share the same name without any connection.

“Harassment or threats directed toward our personnel based on inaccurate or misleading information are unacceptable and will be addressed accordingly,” the department said.


More Patrol

Promotional image for Garmont Tactical’s Contact Collection featuring black tactical boots displayed in front of a police vehicle with flashing red and blue emergency lights. Text announces the new collection and notes it is now available.
PatrolJune 24, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE

Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.

Read More →
Graphic celebrating 1,613 Folds of Honor graduates, featuring graduation books, a diploma, a mortarboard cap, the Folds of Honor logo, and an inset photo of a graduate standing in front of a campus building.
PatrolJune 11, 2026

Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees

Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.

Read More →
Graphic for a POLICE Magazine article on Tennessee’s new deadly force law, featuring Lady Justice, handcuffs, a Tennessee map with Nashville highlighted, and the headline “Impact of New Deadly Force Law.”
Patrolby David StephensJune 4, 2026

Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee

Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic comparing EMS transport options: an ambulance responding with emergency lights versus police officers assisting an injured person into a patrol vehicle. Headline asks whether to wait for EMS or transport immediately, noting the decision depends on the situation.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJune 2, 2026

When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?

Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?

Read More →
Man in a blue blazer lifting his shirt to reveal a concealed handgun in a waistband holster while standing outdoors.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty

What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.

Read More →
Graphic titled “5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights” featuring a compact Streamlight flashlight attached to tactical gear. Police Law Enforcement Solutions branding appears in the lower corner against a dark, dramatic background.
PatrolMay 21, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use

What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →