CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Federal prosecutors say a Warrenville Heights man bought a pistol and gave it to the man who used it Saturday to gun down two suburban Columbus police officers inside a town home.

Gerald Lawson III, 30, was arrested by federal authorities on Monday and charged with acting as a straw purchaser for Quentin Smith. Smith, 30, is accused of killing Westerville police officers Eric Joering and Anthony Morelli, who were responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Smith, who used to live in Euclid and has a felony conviction for burglary, is not allowed to own a gun. Lawson knew this as the two men were friends, yet he still bought the gun for Smith, according to an affidavit filed in federal court in Columbus by an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A witness told investigators that Smith gave Lawson money to buy the Glock pistol, and an extra $100 for compensation. Records show Lawson bought the gun in May at a Stonewall Ltd. Gun Shop and Pistol Range in Broadview Heights, the affidavit states.

Lawson faces a charge with aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

He is being held in federal custody.

After the confrontation with officers, Smith was taken to a hospital and remains there, according to the affidavit. He is charged with two preliminary counts of aggravated murder.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Monday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Joering and Morelli.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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