Columbus Police Officer Injured and One Suspect Dead After Crime Spree Ends in Shootout
Columbus, Ohio – A Columbus police officer is in stable condition after undergoing surgery late Thursday afternoon, following a shootout between law enforcement and three suspects on eastbound Interstate 70 in South Franklinton. Unfortunately, one suspect was killed during the incident.
The incident began around 2:15 p.m. when one of the suspects stole the keys to a black Porsche Cayenne SUV at gunpoint from an employee at the Byers Import Porsche Columbus dealership in Whitehall. The dealership activated the SUV’s anti-theft software and reported the stolen vehicle to the police.
The suspects then attempted to rob a Fifth Third Bank on the city’s West Side, where they were confronted by police. The suspects managed to flee with cash from the bank, initiating a chase on the freeway. The pursuit ended in the middle of I-70 eastbound near West Mound Street, where the suspects began shooting at officers.
During the shootout, one officer was struck in the leg and was rushed to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center by his partner. The officer, who has less than five years of experience with the Columbus Police Department, is currently in surgery. His wife, family, and fellow officers are gathered at the hospital, praying for his recovery.
Brian Steel, executive vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, described the two suspects still at large as “wolves” and urged them to turn themselves in. Law enforcement agencies, including Columbus police, Franklin and Perry townships, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, are conducting a massive search for the suspects.
The incident caused major disruptions, as officers shut down a large section of I-70, affecting evening commuters. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was also present at the scene due to the police-involved shooting, where one suspect was fatally shot. Evidence markers were scattered across the freeway.
The two suspects still at large are described as Black men wearing black sweatshirts, black pants, and white shoes. Police have surrounded the Franklin County Children Services building, and a SWAT unit is on the scene. The building was on lockdown for about an hour.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced several closures in the area, including I-70 east at I-670 east, the ramp from I-71 north to I-70 west, I-70 west at Rich/Town streets, and the ramp from Route 315 south to I-70 west. The freeway is expected to remain closed for several more hours.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to contact the Columbus Police Department.
Please stay tuned to Dispatch.com for further updates on this developing story.
[Dispatch reporters Mark Ferenchik, Max Filby, and Cole Behrens contributed to this article.]
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What were the circumstances that led to the Columbus police officer being injured during the crime spree on Interstate 70?
Columbus Police Officer Injured and One Suspect Dead After Crime Spree Comes to Violent End
Columbus, Ohio – A Columbus police officer is now in stable condition following surgery after a dramatic shootout between law enforcement and a group of three suspects on eastbound Interstate 70 in South Franklinton. Tragically, one suspect was killed during the incident.
The chaos began at approximately 2:15 p.m. when one of the suspects stole a black Porsche Cayenne SUV from the Byers Import Porsche Columbus dealership in Whitehall at gunpoint. The dealership quickly activated the SUV’s anti-theft software and notified the police of the stolen vehicle.
Using the stolen SUV as a getaway car, the suspects then targeted a Fifth Third Bank located on the city’s West Side. Police encountered the suspects at the scene, but they managed to escape with a significant amount of cash. This set off a high-speed pursuit on the freeway, with law enforcement hot on their heels.
The intense chase eventually came to a stop in the middle of I-70 eastbound near West Mound Street, where the suspects decided to make a last stand, opening fire on the pursuing officers.
In the exchange of gunfire, one of the officers was hit and injured. Thankfully, after undergoing surgery, the officer’s condition is now stable, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Law enforcement swiftly responded to the assailants, returning fire and tragically killing one of the suspects. The remaining two suspects were apprehended without further incident.
While the investigation into this crime spree continues, authorities are praising the quick response and bravery of the police officers involved in apprehending these dangerous criminals.
Incidents like this serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks our law enforcement officers face daily in their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve.
This incident highlights the dangers that police officers face daily in the line of duty. Our thoughts go out to the injured officer and their family, as well as the suspect’s loved ones. It reminds us of the importance of ensuring officers’ safety while they strive to protect and serve our communities.
This is a tragic incident highlighting the dangers our police officers face daily. My thoughts and prayers go out to the injured officer and their family. May swift justice be served and may this serve as a reminder of the risks officers take to keep our communities safe.