James Moore was stopped by Toledo police during a traffic stop on Oct. 1. A city officer was relieved of duty with pay during an internal affairs probe. Departmental gear was found inside the vehicle, according to a report obtained by 13 Action News.
Officers stopped Moore near South Avenue and the Anthony Wayne Trail. He was driving a Dodge Charger. Police said the temporary tag was unreadable and had expired.
Moore was the only person inside the car. Officers noticed burned marijuana roaches in the cup holder between the front seats. Police then searched the vehicle.
Officers found marijuana in two bags, according to the report. One bag was not in dispensary packaging. Investigators also found a clear plastic bag containing three white pills.
Investigators found an officer’s duty belt, vest, carrier, gas mask, riot helmet and fingerprint kit in the trunk. Police identified the owner as a 27-year-old officer hired on Sept. 26, 2025. The department booked the duty belt into evidence.
Moore pleaded guilty in 2019 to attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter, according to court records. Detectives said Moore and another man shot a man outside an illegal gambling venue. The victim died.
Toledo police are working to determine how Moore knows the officer. The department maintains strict rules regarding personal relationships in its police manual. The Toledo police union did not return a call for comment.
Internal affairs divisions investigate alleged employee misconduct within law enforcement agencies. These units review potential policy violations to determine appropriate administrative actions. Officers facing scrutiny can be placed on administrative leave.
Investigators in Toledo are still examining why the police equipment was inside the car.
