Detention for man accused of selling gun used to kill police

COLUMBUS » A man accused of providing the gun used in the fatal shooting of two Ohio police officers must remain in jail without bond, a judge ruled on Wednesday.

Gerald Lawson, of suburban Cleveland, bought the handgun for shooting suspect Quentin Smith last summer, federal authorities alleged in a complaint filed in federal court earlier this week.

The complaint said Smith gave Lawson the money to buy the gun along with $100 for completing the transaction.

Federal Magistrate Judge Kimberly Jolson on Wednesday ordered continued detention for the 30-year-old Lawson, citing a risk he posed to the community.

Lawson has not yet been required to enter a plea. A message was left with his public defender.

As a felon, previously convicted of burglary, Smith was prevented from having a weapon.

Authorities said Smith shot Westerville police officers Eric Joering, 39, and Anthony Morelli, 54, at a townhome on Saturday where Smith was wounded.

Smith remains hospitalized. Court records don’t show an attorney for him.

A combined funeral will be held for the officers on Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church in Westerville.

Earlier Wednesday, the Staten Island, New Yorkbased Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it would pay off Joering’s mortgage in full. The foundation was created in honor of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11.

ADAM CAIRNS — THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH VIA AP The police escort Westerville Police officers Morelli and Joering home from Franklin County Coroners office Monday in Westerville.