BREAKING: 26-Year-Old Cole Lepkowski Fatally Shot in West Toledo, Police Investigating
TOLEDO, OH — June 30, 2025
A 26-year-old man is dead following a late-night shooting in west Toledo, marking another painful chapter in the city’s ongoing battle with gun violence.
Toledo Police confirmed the victim, identified as Cole Lepkowski, was shot and killed shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday in the 1300 block of West Lincolnshire Boulevard. Officers responded to multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire in the residential neighborhood, where they discovered Lepkowski critically injured. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made, and authorities have not named any suspects. Investigators are actively working the case, reviewing area surveillance footage and conducting door-to-door interviews with potential witnesses.
“This is an open and active homicide investigation,” said a Toledo Police spokesperson in a statement Monday morning. “We are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area to contact detectives immediately. Even the smallest detail could be vital.”
A Community in Shock
Lepkowski’s death sent shockwaves through the community and social media, where friends and family mourned the loss of a young man remembered as generous, easygoing, and full of potential.
“He always made you laugh, no matter what kind of day you were having,” wrote one friend. “Losing him like this is just heartbreaking.”
Neighbors on West Lincolnshire described the scene Sunday night as chaotic, with police cruisers flooding the block and yellow tape cordoning off the area well into the early hours. “This is a quiet street. Stuff like this doesn’t happen here,” said one long-time resident. “It’s scary now to think that something so violent happened just steps from my front door.”
A Rising Toll
Lepkowski’s killing adds to a disturbing trend of gun violence in Toledo in 2025. City leaders and anti-violence advocates are once again calling for action.
“This is exactly why we need community-based intervention strategies and long-term investments in youth programs,” said Councilwoman Letitia Harmon. “We can’t afford to lose any more young lives to senseless shootings.”
Police have not yet released details regarding a potential motive or whether Lepkowski was targeted. Officials are awaiting autopsy results from the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.
Seeking Justice
The Toledo Police Department is asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and a cash reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
As the city mourns the loss of Cole Lepkowski, loved ones say they are focused on remembering his spirit and calling for justice.
“Cole didn’t deserve this,” said a family member. “Whoever did this is still out there. We won’t rest until they’re brought to justice.”