Gunmen open fire on hearse, hitting casket during Toledo funeral

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Three people were injured when someone opened fire at a church on Upton Avenue in Toledo on Monday, according to police and witnesses.

According to the funeral home’s website, services for Lawrenczel Larell Taylor III were scheduled at the River of Life Church from 10-11 a.m. on Monday. Taylor was shot and killed while driving earlier this month. Police have not confirmed whether the two incidents were connected.

An off-duty Lucas County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported shots fired at the funeral over the radio. The deputy told Toledo Police officers that unknown suspects had fired upon the hearse. Officers found the casket had been struck by several shots.

An officer responding to the scene saw a car that matched the suspect vehicle. Two suspects fled on foot from the vehicle. One was apprehended shortly after fleeing. Officers determined the other suspects entered a residence on Brame. They were later arrested.

The funeral director for the House of Day Funeral Home says two of his employees suffered injuries to the legs when someone shot at the hearse as they were loading flowers into it following a funeral. One of those employees required surgery, according to the director.

Police said the ages of the victims were 64, 73, and 47, all with non-life-threatening injuries.

Three teens have been arrested and charged with felonious assault -- a 17-year-old and two 16-year-olds.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.

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