Lima City Council on Feb. 5 voted to send the Sept. 27 use‑of‑force incident at a downtown bar known as “3:18” to the council’s Safety Services Committee and authorized the law director to issue subpoenas for video evidence from the scene.

The vote follows public testimony from residents who said officers used excessive force during a response to a fight at about 03:18 on Sept. 27. Dozens of speakers asked the city for accountability, independent review and improved de‑escalation training.

The decision matters because councilors said they want a formal, documented review that collects all available video and the law director’s office can compel footage if businesses or individuals do not voluntarily provide recordings.

Several residents who testified described what they said they saw on video or experienced in person. Heaven Simpson, who gave her address at the meeting, told the council: “This is not about being anti police. It's about being pro accountability, pro community, and pro justice.” Resident Brian Irons said the footage he viewed showed “panic” rather than de‑escalation and asked, “what's the standard procedure?”

Another speaker, Trayvon Jones, who identified himself as a businessman and boxing coach, described being at the bar that night with his wife and said they left “traumatized, still shaken up.” In contrast, business owner Ray Magnus told councilors he reviewed video from multiple angles and said he “could not see any place on there where LPD was overly aggressive.” Pastor Ron Fells said the scene looked “chaotic” and urged patrons to follow lawful orders when directed by officers to exit.

Councilors discussed next steps on the floor. A motion to refer the matter to the Safety Services Committee and to authorize the law director to issue subpoenas for “all of the videos of the recent incident” passed by voice vote. The motion included instruction that failure to comply with a subpoena could be pursued as a minor misdemeanor, per the council’s motion.

Council and staff also discussed community engagement steps. Councilors and the administration said they will promote the Lima Citizens Police Academy—postponed until early 2026 to boost participation—as a way to increase public understanding of police procedures. Major Leland and Jessica Begonia described the academy as a multi‑week program for adults that includes classroom sessions and practical demonstrations; the program carries a $50 registration fee and requires participants to be at least 18 and pass a background check.

City officials outlined how civilians may file formal complaints against officers: contact the Lima Police Department, obtain and notarize a complaint form at the front desk or by calling the department, then submit it for investigation; the chief will receive the completed investigative file and complainants will be notified of findings. Major Leland said completed investigations that lead to discipline or retraining are retained in the department’s records.

Councilors urged the public to preserve and provide any video they possess and to participate in community‑police forums. The Safety Services Committee will review the material, coordinate with the law director on subpoenas, and report back to the full council.

For now, the council’s action is a procedural referral and evidence‑gathering step; no disciplinary or policy changes were adopted at the meeting.