Teenage Boy Killed in Shooting at Easton Town Center
Columbus, Ohio – A teenage boy is believed to be the victim of a shooting that occurred at Easton Town Center on Sunday evening. Columbus police have described the incident as an “isolated incident” and have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
Sgt. Joseph Albert confirmed that the victim, whose age has not been confirmed but is believed to be under 18, died at Mount Carmel East hospital at 6:50 p.m. The identity of the victim will not be released until their family has been notified.
Initial reports suggested that a second person had been injured in the shooting, but it was later confirmed that there was only one victim. Dispatchers initially reported that one person had been taken to Mount Carmel East hospital and another to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. However, it was later revealed that the person who was shot was initially being taken to OSU but was diverted to Mount Carmel East due to their condition.
A Columbus police officer, who was working a special duty assignment at the mall, was able to locate the victim within 60 seconds of the shooting and provide immediate medical treatment, including CPR. More than 70 law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies responded to the scene.
As of 9:45 p.m., no arrests had been made, but several individuals were being questioned about their potential involvement, according to Assistant Columbus Police Chief Greg Bodker.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther addressed the community, promising that those responsible for the shooting would be held accountable. He also called on state legislators to take action on gun safety regulations. “These are people who should not have guns in the first place,” said Asst. Chief Greg Bodker, referring to the young ages of the victim and possible suspects. Ohio law prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing handguns.
Ginther also reassured the community that Easton and other shopping centers like Polaris Fashion Place, where two shootings occurred earlier this year, are safe. He expressed concern about the increasing involvement of juveniles in shootings and violence throughout the city.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a gunshot and seeing people running in panic. James Jones, who works at Easton, said that everyone ran shouting, “They’re shooting, they’re shooting.” A security officer noted that there were many teens and young adults at the mall on Sunday, more than they had ever seen.
Multiple police sources have reported the recovery of at least two firearms at the scene. Descriptions of possible suspects have also been provided, and shell casings are being collected as evidence. The mall has a strict no weapons policy.
Management for Easton Town Center released a statement confirming that there is no longer an active situation and that the shooting occurred in an outside area of the North District. Mall stores typically close at 6 p.m. on Sundays, but the movie theater was still open at the time of the incident.
Patrons who were at the mall were initially asked to shelter in place while law enforcement officers went through the mall store by store to evacuate shoppers and employees. The large law enforcement response ensured that the mall was quickly locked down, and employees and shoppers were safely escorted from the area.
The ramps from Interstate 270 to Easton Way, which were closed as police searched for possible suspects, have since been reopened.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
What actions will be taken to ensure that the individuals responsible for the shooting are held accountable?
To the individuals responsible for the shooting.
A shooting took place at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, resulting in the death of a teenage boy. Columbus police have labeled the incident as an “isolated incident” and emphasized that there is no ongoing danger to the public.
The victim, whose exact age has not been confirmed but is believed to be under 18, passed away at Mount Carmel East hospital at 6:50 p.m., according to Sgt. Joseph Albert. The identity of the victim will not be disclosed until their family has been informed.
Initially, there were reports of a second person being injured in the shooting. However, it has been clarified that there was only one victim. Dispatchers initially stated that one person was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital and another to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. But further information revealed that the individual who was shot was initially headed to OSU but was rerouted to Mount Carmel East due to their condition.
Within a minute of the shooting, a Columbus police officer, who happened to be working at the mall on a special duty assignment, located the victim and provided immediate medical assistance, including CPR. More than 70 law enforcement officers from various agencies responded to the scene.
As of 9:45 p.m., no arrests have been made, but several individuals are being interrogated regarding their potential involvement, according to Assistant Columbus Police Chief Greg Bodker.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther addressed the community, assuring them that those responsible for the shooting would be held accountable. He also urged state legislators to take action on gun safety regulations, stating that the individuals involved should not have had access to firearms in the first place.
This is heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. May justice be served.