Toledo man charged in police shooting arraigned in court

Jamaine Hill, 38, who is accused of firing multiple times, striking Detective Jason Picking in the face during a search warrant in West Toledo, appears for his arraignment in Toledo Municipal Court on November 17.

The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
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The man accused of shooting a Toledo police detective in the face remained held Friday with bond set at $3 million.

Jamaine Hill, 38, who is accused of firing multiple times, striking Detective Jason Picking in the face during a search warrant in West Toledo, appears for his arraignment in Toledo Municipal Court on November 17.

Jamaine Hill, 38, appeared Friday in Toledo Municipal Court on three counts of felonious assault on a police officer. Officials identified him as the gunman who fired through his front door at Detective Jason Picking, who was involved in the execution of a search warrant early Thursday morning.

RELATED: Officer shot in face during drug raid at West Toledo home

The detective assisted with a drug-related search warrant about 2:08 a.m. Thursday in the 4100 block of Caroline Avenue. He was shot near the left side of his mouth, shattering his jaw.

Detective Picking, 36, was taken to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center after being shot near the left side of his mouth, shattering his jaw. The round then lodged in his neck requiring reconstructive surgery.

Mr. Hill's parents, Andre and Cheryl Cochran of Detroit, said after the court hearing Friday that Mr. Hill regrets firing his weapon. He thought the police raid was a break-in, they said.

“My son wouldn’t have fired on them had they identified themselves,” Mr. Cochran, 58, said.

Both said they are sorry to the officer and his family.

The detective is now stabilized and has excellent doctors at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich., police spokesman Capt. Joe Heffernan said.

Captain Heffernan said police entered the building in the 4100 block of Caroline Avenue about 2:08 a.m. on a “no-knock” search but declared who they were as they did so. Police Chief George Kral had said during a news conference shortly after the shooting that entry was made on a “knock and announce” basis but Captain Heffernan said Friday the chief had been given wrong information.

Knock-and-announce searches provide time for a resident to open the door, after which officers breach the door after a short time.

But that waiting period is waived if there is a perceived risk to law enforcement, Captain Heffernan said, and in this case a no-knock waiver was granted because Mr. Hill had a record of firearms possession and credible information he would have a gun nearby.

“They're always very loud and very verbal when doing this so the people inside know who we are,” Captain Heffernan said.

A large number of officials have shown support for Detective Picking and the police department. The Lucas County Prosecutor's Office brought food for officers. Ann Arbor police visited the hospital.

Toledo fire Chief Luis Santiago has been in regular contact with the police chief and offered support for anything they can do, a spokesman said.

Captain Heffernan said the response has meant a lot to Detective Picking's family and the department as a whole.

“Everybody’s hoping and praying that Jason makes a full recovery and is back to work. That's where he wants to be,” Captain Heffernan said.

A fund has been created at the Toledo Police Federal Credit Union to help Detective Picking with his recovery expenses. Those interested in donating can visit tpolcu.com.

Contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.