Dayton, Ohio – A coordinated law enforcement operation in Dayton led to multiple arrests and the removal of illegal weapons from the streets, as officers targeted repeat offenders linked to violent crime. The February 12, 2026 operation resulted in nine felony arrests, the seizure of three illegally possessed firearms, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
The effort was conducted through a partnership between the Dayton Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol as part of Mike DeWine’s Violent Crime Reduction Initiative. The statewide initiative brings together local, state, and federal agencies to carry out data-driven operations aimed at identifying and arresting repeat offenders responsible for much of the violence in their communities.
“These statewide violent crime reduction operations have proven beneficial in getting drugs, illegally possessed guns, and violent offenders off the streets,” said Governor DeWine. “The State of Ohio remains fully committed to supporting local agencies as they work to hold repeat offenders accountable for their crimes.”
Vehicle pursuit leads to arrest and drug seizure
At approximately 9:25 p.m., officers and troopers observed suspicious drug-related activity between two vehicles at a gas station on Gettysburg Avenue. Officers activated emergency lights to stop one of the vehicles, but the driver — identified as Brandy Strickland, 29 — fled the scene.
Officers deployed a tire deflation device, but Strickland continued driving and struck both an unmarked police vehicle and a utility pole before being taken into custody. She now faces multiple charges, including felony assault on a peace officer and failure to comply.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located eight grams of methamphetamine. Investigators later determined the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Aviation support aids second arrest
In a separate incident connected to the operation, an OSHP trooper attempted a traffic stop after observing a driver commit a traffic violation. The driver of the truck failed to pull over, prompting the OSHP Aviation Unit to track the vehicle from the air. Ground units discontinued pursuit for safety reasons while the aircraft maintained surveillance.
The driver, identified as Shane Lunsford, 44, drove off the roadway and into wooded terrain before stopping at a dead end. He fled on foot but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody on a felony charge of failure to comply.
Additional individuals arrested during the operation face charges that include drug trafficking, carrying a concealed weapon, improperly handling a firearm, and having weapons under disability. The operation also received support from the R.A.N.G.E. Task Force.
Statewide initiative targets violent offenders
Officials say similar violent crime reduction operations have taken place in multiple Ohio communities this year, including Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Grove City, and Toledo. Since the start of 2026, multi-agency efforts have resulted in more than 40 felony arrests and the recovery of 30 illegally possessed firearms.
These operations rely on real-time crime data and intelligence sharing among partner agencies to identify individuals responsible for violent crime. By focusing enforcement efforts in targeted areas, authorities aim to reduce violence and improve safety in neighborhoods most affected by crime.
Law enforcement leaders say continued collaboration and strategic deployment of resources remain key to addressing violent crime and protecting Ohio communities.
