Lima man arrested in death of 4-year-old
Apr. 13—LIMA — A young girl is dead and a 21-year-old Lima man is in custody following an incident Monday just north of the downtown Lima business district.
Officers from the Lima Police Department responded shortly after 2 p.m. to 535 N. Elizabeth St. in reference to a report of an unresponsive child. Upon their arrival officers located the 4-year-old female inside the residence. The child was transported to a local hospital, where medical personnel attempted life-saving measures but were unable to revive her.
Just after noon Tuesday, LPD identified the girl at MaLay Dewitt.
Romiere Hale, 21, of Lima, was taken into custody and is being held at the Allen County Jail on the charge of suspicion of child endangerment. Additional charges could be forthcoming pending the findings of the autopsy, according to a spokesman from the LPD.
On the 911 call made to police, a male caller frantically asks dispatchers to "please get somebody" to the North Elizabeth Street location after the 4-year-old was found in distress.
"She been sick the last few days, and she's not breathing," the caller said.
First responders arrived at the home in less than two minutes. Detectives are currently investigating the incident.
Heather Lee, an investigator with the Allen County Coroner's Office, said at noon Tuesday only that an autopsy was "in process" at the Lucas County Coroner's Office.
Anyone with additional information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Lima Police Department at 419-227-4444, Detective Sean Neidemire at 419-221-5295, Detective Steve Stechschulte at 419-221-5181, Detective Sgt. Jason Garlock at 419-221-5291, or CrimeStoppers at 419-229-7867.
