GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A Galion man, Jerold L. Frazier II, is currently being held in the Crawford County Jail on a staggering $2 million bond following a shooting incident and a four-hour standoff that unfolded yesterday afternoon in Galion. Frazier made his initial court appearance via jail video in the Crawford County Municipal Court on Thursday.
Frazier faces serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder (each first-degree felonies), one count of kidnapping (a second-degree felony), and potential gun specification charges, amounting to a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall stated that Frazier instilled fear in the Galion community when he allegedly shot two residents of his home and held another victim hostage. In a distressing 911 call, one of the shooting victims reported being shot. Gunfire could be heard in the background as a male victim said he’d been shot too. The victims, who were initially staying in a trailer behind 941 East Walnut St., sought refuge indoors due to inclement weather.
Crall recounted that when one female victim ventured into the kitchen, she encountered Frazier brandishing a gun. Frazier reportedly pointed the gun at her head and attempted to fire at her, but the gun malfunctioned. The victim managed to flee upstairs, where Frazier pursued her, firing shots as she informed dispatchers over the phone about the situation. She sustained a gunshot wound above her left knee, while a male victim was also injured near his rib cage, narrowly missing vital organs.
Emergency personnel were eventually able to extract the victims after they jumped from a second-story window while under fire. Reports indicated that they were still being shot at upon landing.
As law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene, Frazier allegedly contacted 911, claiming he had a hostage and would kill him if officers attempted to enter the residence. This led to a tense standoff, during which Frazier claimed to possess an AK-47. After four hours of negotiations, he surrendered, telling authorities that he would have taken his own life had his gun not jammed. Frazier told the police he thought officers would not enter his house if he had a hostage. Investigators are looking into Frazier’s assertion that the hostage was not involved in the incident, although prosecutors believe a recent romantic relationship between the two may have motivated the violence.
During interrogation, Frazier, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated, confessed to his actions, admitting that he “snapped” and intended to kill the victims. He acknowledged being aware of the police presence and expressed a willingness to harm law enforcement officers. The prosecutor noted that Frazier admitted he had stolen the gun from his brother, leading to additional potential charges related to firearm possession, as Frazier has a prior violent felony record that prohibits him from owning guns.
Crawford County law enforcement mobilized a significant response, with approximately 12 officers on the scene, including the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Strategic Response Team (SRT). The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Bucyrus post also assisted with specialized training in hostage negotiations. Every available Galion Police Officer responded to the scene. The prosecutor was on scene as well. The ODNR was on site because animals were in the home.
In court, Judge Shane Leuthold emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “I don’t think it gets any more serious than this, except if someone would have died.” He remarked on the miraculous outcome that no one was killed, especially given Frazier’s admission of using a hostage as a shield during the ordeal.
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Prosecutor Crall argued for a $1 million bond, citing the threat Frazier posed to public safety, particularly in light of curious children being advised to stay away and the media’s assistance in telling people to stay in their homes as well as other residents not being able to go home during the incident. Defense attorney Garverick (appearing for bond purposes only) pointed out Frazier’s status as a lifelong county resident with a history of appearing in court.
Regarding a possible motive, Crall suggested that Frazier may have believed he was at risk of being reported for sex crimes by the victims because of his relationship with the hostage, who has intellectual disabilities. It was noted for the record that the possible third victim is an adult.
Judge Leuthold set Frazier’s bond at $2 million cash, emphasizing his violent history, the weight of the evidence, having weapons under disability, and the fact that he was free on bond at the time of the alleged crimes. Should Frazier post bail, he is prohibited from any contact with the three victims involved in the case. Judge Leuthold appointed Bucyrus attorney Andrew Motter to represent Frazier. A pretrial is scheduled within the next ten days.
It is the policy of Crawford County Now to protect the privacy of victims by not disclosing their identity.