Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant James Kerstetter was shot and killed after responding to a call at a home on 18th Street. A mother had called 911 to report that a neighbor had exposed himself to her child and kicked in a window in her home.
The suspect opened fire on officers after they located him at his residence, wounding Sergeant Kerstetter. Other officers returned fire and killed the suspect. Sergeant Kerstetter was transported to EMH Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Sergeant Kerstetter had served with the Elyria Police Department for 15 years and had previously served with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
Sergeant Kerstetter is survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-42F320F2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Kerstetter gave the Elyria Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Elyria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Kerstetter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Elyria Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Anthony Kerstetter's cause is highlighted.
How James Anthony Kerstetter Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Anthony Kerstetter is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Anthony Kerstetter was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Elyria Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
