Amherst police officer victim in shooting

The Amherst Police Department has confirmed the identity of an officer who was shot May 31 during a standoff in Sheffield Lake.

Patrolman Eugene (JR) Ptacek, a 17-year-veteran of the Amherst Police Department, was assigned to the Lorain County SWAT team, suffered the gunshot wound, according to a news release from Amherst police.

The Lorain County SWAT Team is composed of officers from various police departments in the county.

Ptacek has been assigned to the team for several years, the release said.

After the shooting, Ptacek was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland via LifeFlight.

Amherst police administration and immediate family members were with Ptacek Thursday night as MetroHealth staff worked to stabilize him, the release said.

At the time of this news release, MetroHealth has listed Ptacek’s condition as “critical.”

The Amherst Police Department has no further information to release on the original search and arrest warrant service, the details of the shooting, the suspect information or the ongoing investigation, the release said.

All of that information has been, or will be, released from various law enforcement agencies at the appropriate time.

The family asked for prayers and privacy during this difficult time, according to the release.

Ptacek was shot while the Lorain County SWAT Team, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal’s Office, attempted to serve a warrant on 39-year-old Martin Robinson at a home near the intersection of Ferndale and Howell streets.

Robinson was wanted on felony warrants from Cuyahoga County.

According to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records, Robinson is facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, OVI and violating a protection order in connection to an Oct. 31 arrest in Brook Park.

According to a Brook Park police report, Robinson was in a car stopped for speeding and found to be under the influence.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a hand gun located in the glove compartment with a magazine located next to it, the report said.

Robinson was shot during the May 31 standoff and was transported to UH St. John Medical Center in Westlake for treatment.

His condition remains unclear at this time.

Officers had been watching the home since 10 a.m.

When they attempted to contact Robinson, he did not answer the door, according to Sheffield Lake police Chief Tony Campo.

When the officers forced entry into the home, Robinson fired shots, Campo said.

The standoff ended at 12:30 a.m. June 1 with Robinson being taken into custody.