April 30, 20214 yr Andre Hill shooting: New indictment filed against former Columbus officer Adam Coy A former Columbus police officer is facing an additional charge in the death of an unarmed black man in December. Adam Coy, 44, was indicted Friday on a charge of reckless homicide in the death of 47-year-old Andre Hill on Dec. 22. Coy was a Columbus police officer when he responded to a home on Oberlin Drive on the city's Northwest Side for a non-emergency call. The shooting of Hill, who was unarmed, was caught on Coy's body camera video but without audio because Coy did not have the camera turned on at the time of the shooting. The investigation into the shooting was handled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by the Ohio Attorney General's office. Coy was fired within a week of the shooting and was indicted in February on charges of murder, felonious assault and dereliction of duty in Hill's death. Mark Collins, Coy's attorney, said the new charge shows prosecutors have doubts about whether they could convict Coy of murder. "Reckless homicide is not a lesser included offense of felony murder," Collins said. "This shows us that they little faith in the felony murder charge." ... Anthony Pierson, Senior Assistant Attorney General, said Friday that the new charge is based on the ongoing investigation and the reckless homicide count will be combined into a single case with the already existing one. "Our case is strong and we look forward to trying it in court," Pierson said. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/crime/2021/04/23/reckless-homicide-charge-filed-against-adam-coy-death-andre-hill/7355360002/
April 30, 20214 yr Judge says Columbus police ran ‘amok’ during protests, bans future violent responses https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/judge-says-columbus-police-ran-amok-during-protests-bans-future-violent-responses/ Quote COLUMBUS (WCMH) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the City of Columbus and its police on Friday morning, banning excessive force against nonviolent protesters in a scathing 88-page opinion. Algenon Marbley, chief judge for the Southern District of Ohio, accused Columbus police officers of running amok during police protests last summer. Among other things, police are prohibited from infliction of pain to punish nonviolent protesters and may only enforce orders to disperse if it’s probable that a protestor has committed a violent violation or is blocking traffic. The injunction says police are restrained from using: Tear gas Pepper spray Flash-bang grenades Rubber bullets Wooden pellets Batons Body slams Pushing/pulling Kettling, a crowd-control method “This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok,” Marbley wrote.
May 4, 20214 yr When I reported that the Park Street Cantina got cited for covid violations last year, I noted it was "to the surprise of no one". On Sunday at 6:45 p.m., a shooting was reported at the Park Street Cantina that left three people injured. Again, this should be "to the surprise of no one": https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/05/03/police-looking-surveillance-video-find-suspect-park-street-cantina/4922473001/
May 14, 20214 yr Nine candidates are up for Columbus police chief; interviews being held this week https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/05/11/nine-being-interviewed-columbus-police-chief-position/5037964001/
May 14, 20214 yr Judge sets next Valentine's Day as trial date for Dr. Husel on 25 counts of murder The long-delayed trial of Dr. William Husel, who was indicted nearly two years ago on 25 counts of murder in connection with the deaths of intensive care patients under his care, is set to begin on Valentine's Day 2022. Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Holbrook set the date during a Zoom video conference with prosecuting and defense attorneys. Husel, who has been free on $1 million bond since shortly after his arrest, listened in on the hearing but didn't speak. The trial has faced repeated delays, in part because of COVID-19 safety protocols, which have dramatically limited the ability of the courts to conduct jury trials for the past year. Each of the 25 counts of murder represents a separate intensive-care patient whom investigators allege died of an overdose of pain medication while under Husel's care in Mount Carmel Health hospitals from February 2015 through November 2018. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2021/05/10/trial-dr-husel-deaths-hospital-patients-begin-february/5021740001/
May 14, 20214 yr Columbus agrees to pay family of Andre Hill $10M, largest settlement in city history The city of Columbus has agreed to pay $10 million to the family of André Hill, an unarmed Black man fatally shot by former Columbus police officer Adam Coy in December, City Attorney Zach Klein announced Friday. Hill, 47, was exiting a garage at a home on the 1200 block of Oberlin Drive in Northwest Columbus around 2 a.m. Dec. 22 when he was shot and killed by then-Columbus police officer Adam Coy. Coy and officer Amy Detweiler had responded to a non-emergency call about a vehicle turning on and off. Neither officer had their body cameras turned on before Coy fatally shot Hill. A "look-back" feature that automatically records the previous 60 seconds captured video, but no audio, of the shooting. Body camera footage from those two and other responding officers showed that more than 10 minutes passed before Hill was given any medical aid. He died about 30 minutes after the shooting. Coy was fired within a week of the shooting and has since been indicted on charges of murder, felonious assault and reckless homicide. He remains free after posting a $1 million bond. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/05/14/city-agrees-pay-andre-hills-family-10-m/5092187001/
May 19, 20214 yr On 5/13/2021 at 10:24 PM, Columbo said: Nine candidates are up for Columbus police chief; interviews being held this week https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/05/11/nine-being-interviewed-columbus-police-chief-position/5037964001/ Now its down to four candidates: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/05/17/four-finalists-columbus-police-chief-named/5023878001/ Here are the four finalists: Elaine Bryant -- Currently a deputy chief for Detroit police, overseeing the east Neighborhood Policing Bureau, which consists of five patrol precincts and multiple specialized units. Derrick Diggs -- Currently the chief of the Fort Myers Police Department in Florida. He was previously the chief of police in Toledo from 2011 to 2014. Avery Moore -- Currently an assistant chief for the Dallas police, overseeing the investigations and tactical branch of the department. Ivonne Roman -- Retired from the Newark, New Jersey, police department in 2020 and in March 2021, founded the 30x30 initiative with the New York University Policing Project, aimed at increasing female representation in policing to 30% by 2030. Surprisingly, former Seattle assistant chief Perry Tarrant was not among these final four candidates. Tarrant was one of the final two candidates in 2019, along with former Chief Thomas Quinlan who was then chosen but stepped down as chief in January 2021. Tarrant was one of 34 applicants for the job this year and was one of nine people interviewed last week.
May 24, 20214 yr Teen girl dead, five others wounded in mass shooting at Downtown Columbus Bicentennial Park A teenage girl is dead, five other young people were wounded and two others injured in a mass shooting late Saturday night at a music party promoted on social media at the amphitheater in Bicentennial Park in Downtown Columbus. Police and Columbus Fire medics were called at 11:51 p.m. Saturday to a reported shooting at the park along Scioto Mile and found a chaotic scene with several people wounded. Olivia Kurtz, 16, was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 1:06 a.m., police said. Kurtz was a student at Columbus City Schools' Fort Hayes Arts and AcademHigh School. Three females and two males, ranging in age from 15-19, were wounded. The shooting victims were transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital. A 16-year-old male transported to OSU Wexner underwent surgery and is reported in stable condition. A 15-year-old girl, two 19-year-old women and a 19-year-old man who were shot were all expected to recover from their injuries. "It appears that somebody organized over social media a large party/concert at the amphitheater there," Deputy Police Chief Tim Becker said. The event was after park hours, there was no permit issued and not authorized or sanctioned by the city Recreation and Parks Department, Becker said. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/crime/2021/05/23/one-person-dead-several-injured-bicentennial-park-shooting-downtown/5231267001/
May 26, 20214 yr In the wake of Saturday night's mass shooting at Bicentennial Park downtown and in the wake of the increased level of citywide homicides seen last year and this year, various leaders and groups issue pleas to end the violence: First, the mayor: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/05/24/columbus-shooting-mayor-pushes-safety-olivia-kurtz-remembered/5241243001/ Next, the survivors group 'Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children': https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/05/25/mothers-of-murdered-columbus-children-urges-community-action-after-bicentennial-park-mass-shooting/7415675002/ Finally, the police: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/violence-skyrockets-as-frustrated-columbus-police-wonder-whats-next/
May 31, 20214 yr Well I don't know whether or not there is a crime thread for the Greater Columbus area or other specific parts of the area so I will comment here(given that West Jeff is rightly so considered a commuter suburb now of Cbus). I was shocked at the quadruple homicide in West Jefferson. Four people, three men and 1 woman, slaughtered at the end of a one way street in a very isolated part of West Jeff. Only one was from West Jeff(and lived at the address of the killings), one other was from Springfield and the other two from London. I don't even know if there has ever been a mass killing like this is Madison County ever. The last murder here was in 2009 or 2012 or something and was a(almost predictable unfortunately)domestic affair where a guy killed his girl-way too common everywhere. But this is especially appalling-no crime of passion here-deliberate premeditated quadruple murder. It makes me shudder to think some monster could be here still after having done that. I highly suspect, after being able to look into the past of three of the victims by doing a little searching, that this was drug related. It just shows how the crime and drug problem plaguing Ohio cities is spilling out into areas previously spared of the worst of the violence. This crime and drug epidemic is going to ruin this state if it is not brought under control. Both of these issues-drugs and crime-are major public health emergencies and need the resources brought forth to deal with such things. Just shameful that this made the headlines in England, India, etc. What an awful thing for a town to make international headlines when the town and township combined have less than 7,000 people
June 1, 20214 yr Elaine Bryant chosen as new Columbus police chief Detroit assistant police chief Elaine Bryant has been selected as the next chief of the Columbus Division of Police. Bryant, 48, will be making history in multiple ways. Aside from being the first person from outside the division in the city’s history to take the reins, she also will be the first Black woman to lead the department. ( . . . ) Bryant was hired after a national search that resulted in 34 applications. She was one of four finalists for the position, along with Dallas Assistant Chief Avery Moore, retired Newark, New Jersey, police chief Ivonne Roman, and Fort Myers, Florida, police chief Derrick Diggs. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/06/01/elaine-bryant-chosen-new-columbus-police-chief/7432917002/
June 7, 20214 yr Getting to know Elaine Bryant, Columbus' new police chief Elaine Bryant, 48, joined the Detroit Police Department academy in August 2000 as a cadet. Nearly 21 years later, she is leaving her post as a deputy police chief in Detroit to become the first externally hired and first Black female police chief in Columbus. ... Bryant answered a series of questions for The Dispatch to help the community get to know her better. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/local/2021/06/07/getting-know-elaine-bryant-columbus-new-police-chief/7512011002/
June 10, 20214 yr Three Columbus police officers charged with misconduct during protests last summer Three Columbus police officers are facing misdemeanor charges for their alleged actions during the 2020 summer protests in Downtown. The charges stem from a independent investigation, led by prosecutor Kathleen Garber and investigator Rick Wozniak, related to police response and actions during protests after the death of George Floyd in particular and against police brutality in general. The officers being charged are: Officer Traci Shaw, with three counts each of assault, dereliction of duty and interfering with civil rights. Shaw is accused of pepper-spraying individuals who were walking away from the protest area. Sergeant Holly Kanode, with one charge each of falsification and dereliction of duty. Body camera footage shows Kanode assisting in the arrest of a protestor and telling another officer that the person grabbed a third officer and jerked him to the ground. Other video did not show this happening. Officer Phillip Walls, with two counts each of assault, dereliction of duty and interfering with civil rights. Body camera footage shows Walls pepper-spraying protestors who are standing on a sidewalk. All three have been placed on administrative duty pending resolution of their cases and will undergo an administrative review once the cases are completed. MORE: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/three-columbus-police-officers-charged-with-misconduct-during-protests-last-summer/
June 10, 20214 yr 8 minutes ago, Columbo said: Three Columbus police officers charged with misconduct during protests last summer Three Columbus police officers are facing misdemeanor charges for their alleged actions during the 2020 summer protests in Downtown. The charges stem from a independent investigation, led by prosecutor Kathleen Garber and investigator Rick Wozniak, related to police response and actions during protests after the death of George Floyd in particular and against police brutality in general. The officers being charged are: Officer Traci Shaw, with three counts each of assault, dereliction of duty and interfering with civil rights. Shaw is accused of pepper-spraying individuals who were walking away from the protest area. Sergeant Holly Kanode, with one charge each of falsification and dereliction of duty. Body camera footage shows Kanode assisting in the arrest of a protestor and telling another officer that the person grabbed a third officer and jerked him to the ground. Other video did not show this happening. Officer Phillip Walls, with two counts each of assault, dereliction of duty and interfering with civil rights. Body camera footage shows Walls pepper-spraying protestors who are standing on a sidewalk. All three have been placed on administrative duty pending resolution of their cases and will undergo an administrative review once the cases are completed. MORE: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/three-columbus-police-officers-charged-with-misconduct-during-protests-last-summer/ I want to know if the last one was one of the ones who pepper sprayed Shannon Hardin and company?
June 18, 20213 yr Columbus takes legal action against 'crime-plagued' Greyhound bus station Downtown In a complaint filed Thursday, the city documented hundreds of police runs this year to the Greyhound bus terminal on Town Street on reports of stabbings, assaults and a shooting. The City of Columbus is taking legal action against the Greyhound bus station Downtown, where police have responded hundreds of times this year for reported stabbings, assaults, overdoses and a recent shooting that left a victim in critical condition. In a complaint filed Thursday against Greyhound Lines, City Attorney Zach Klein's office is requesting a July 1 preliminary hearing where it may seek to shutter the terminal at 111 E. Town St. for up to a year if Greyhound officials decline to improve safety conditions, said Assistant City Attorney Heidy Carr. The matter will go before Judge Stephanie Mingo in Franklin County Environmental Court, a specialized court created to streamline oversight and adjudication of housing code violations and nuisance properties. Carr said the city hopes to avoid temporarily closing the bus terminal, a hub for travelers from Columbus and beyond. Rather, Carr said city officials hope to bring Greyhound representatives to the table to discuss how to bolster security measures at the station — whether that be hiring a private security force or installing more lighting and surveillance cameras. “People use it, people depend on it," Carr said. "Our goal is never to just shut down properties — we want to make it safer first, and that’s what we’re requesting of Greyhound.” MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/06/17/columbus-takes-legal-action-against-crime-plagued-greyhound-bus-station/7730457002/
June 21, 20213 yr On 6/18/2021 at 10:59 AM, Columbo said: Columbus takes legal action against 'crime-plagued' Greyhound bus station Downtown In a complaint filed Thursday, the city documented hundreds of police runs this year to the Greyhound bus terminal on Town Street on reports of stabbings, assaults and a shooting. The City of Columbus is taking legal action against the Greyhound bus station Downtown, where police have responded hundreds of times this year for reported stabbings, assaults, overdoses and a recent shooting that left a victim in critical condition. In a complaint filed Thursday against Greyhound Lines, City Attorney Zach Klein's office is requesting a July 1 preliminary hearing where it may seek to shutter the terminal at 111 E. Town St. for up to a year if Greyhound officials decline to improve safety conditions, said Assistant City Attorney Heidy Carr. The matter will go before Judge Stephanie Mingo in Franklin County Environmental Court, a specialized court created to streamline oversight and adjudication of housing code violations and nuisance properties. Carr said the city hopes to avoid temporarily closing the bus terminal, a hub for travelers from Columbus and beyond. Rather, Carr said city officials hope to bring Greyhound representatives to the table to discuss how to bolster security measures at the station — whether that be hiring a private security force or installing more lighting and surveillance cameras. “People use it, people depend on it," Carr said. "Our goal is never to just shut down properties — we want to make it safer first, and that’s what we’re requesting of Greyhound.” MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/06/17/columbus-takes-legal-action-against-crime-plagued-greyhound-bus-station/7730457002/ Last time I was there was 2014 when I took a Greyhound to Cleveland for the weekend. Amish and crackheads were quite a juxtaposition. There were people passed out asleep all along the walls inside the station. I didn't see any crime but the place definitely seemed seedy. The inside was outdated and the half a half-@ssed cafeteria. A couple scam artists outside trying to get my money with the old, "I ran out of gas, my car is several blocks away" trick and stuff like that. I've taken Megabus a couple times; a much better experience and there was no terminal at all.
June 26, 20213 yr On 5/31/2021 at 10:48 AM, Toddguy said: Well I don't know whether or not there is a crime thread for the Greater Columbus area or other specific parts of the area so I will comment here(given that West Jeff is rightly so considered a commuter suburb now of Cbus). I was shocked at the quadruple homicide in West Jefferson. Four people, three men and 1 woman, slaughtered at the end of a one way street in a very isolated part of West Jeff. Only one was from West Jeff(and lived at the address of the killings), one other was from Springfield and the other two from London. I don't even know if there has ever been a mass killing like this is Madison County ever. The last murder here was in 2009 or 2012 or something and was a(almost predictable unfortunately)domestic affair where a guy killed his girl-way too common everywhere. But this is especially appalling-no crime of passion here-deliberate premeditated quadruple murder. It makes me shudder to think some monster could be here still after having done that. I highly suspect, after being able to look into the past of three of the victims by doing a little searching, that this was drug related. It just shows how the crime and drug problem plaguing Ohio cities is spilling out into areas previously spared of the worst of the violence. This crime and drug epidemic is going to ruin this state if it is not brought under control. Both of these issues-drugs and crime-are major public health emergencies and need the resources brought forth to deal with such things. Just shameful that this made the headlines in England, India, etc. What an awful thing for a town to make international headlines when the town and township combined have less than 7,000 people FWIW, it looks like they caught the guy who did this: https://www.columbusmessenger.com/four-counts-of-murder-filed-against-suspect-in-west-jefferson-shooting.html
June 26, 20213 yr Yesterday was the first day on the job for new Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. And already she has a couple of terrible shooting incidents to deal with. At her first press conference she talked about the shooting death of 17-year-old Makenzi Ridley the day before at the Far East Community Center: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/mayor-ginther-city-officials-giving-update-on-the-shooting-death-of-17-year-old-girl/ And while the Chief's press conference was going on yesterday, the CPD was trying to track down what happened after four people, including two children, were shot in a car traveling on I-670. Police were dispatched to the area of Goodale St. and Neil Ave. around noon where the vehicle stopped. But investigators say the incident started as an argument in the Easton area and say the first shots may have been fired in the area of I-670 West and I-270 near Gahanna: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/police-2-shot-in-area-of-goodale-st-and-neil-ave-in-columbus/
July 1, 20213 yr On 6/18/2021 at 10:59 AM, Columbo said: Columbus takes legal action against 'crime-plagued' Greyhound bus station Downtown In a complaint filed Thursday, the city documented hundreds of police runs this year to the Greyhound bus terminal on Town Street on reports of stabbings, assaults and a shooting. The City of Columbus is taking legal action against the Greyhound bus station Downtown, where police have responded hundreds of times this year for reported stabbings, assaults, overdoses and a recent shooting that left a victim in critical condition. In a complaint filed Thursday against Greyhound Lines, City Attorney Zach Klein's office is requesting a July 1 preliminary hearing where it may seek to shutter the terminal at 111 E. Town St. for up to a year if Greyhound officials decline to improve safety conditions, said Assistant City Attorney Heidy Carr. The matter will go before Judge Stephanie Mingo in Franklin County Environmental Court, a specialized court created to streamline oversight and adjudication of housing code violations and nuisance properties. Carr said the city hopes to avoid temporarily closing the bus terminal, a hub for travelers from Columbus and beyond. Rather, Carr said city officials hope to bring Greyhound representatives to the table to discuss how to bolster security measures at the station — whether that be hiring a private security force or installing more lighting and surveillance cameras. “People use it, people depend on it," Carr said. "Our goal is never to just shut down properties — we want to make it safer first, and that’s what we’re requesting of Greyhound.” MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/06/17/columbus-takes-legal-action-against-crime-plagued-greyhound-bus-station/7730457002/ Greyhound agrees to fix crime, other issues at Downtown terminal after city threatens closure Greyhound Lines Inc. has agreed to address problems with crime and other nuisance issues at its Downtown bus terminal, two weeks after the city of Columbus filed a complaint threatening to shutter the property. The agreement, filed Thursday in Franklin County Municipal Court, avoided a preliminary-injunction hearing on the matter and requires Greyhound to immediately hire private security guards to patrol the property 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company must have "no less than two uniformed security officers" at all times at the terminal at 111 East Town Street, the agreement states. There is no reference to whether the security guards must be armed. One must be stationed at the entrance, allowing only Greyhound-ticketed customers or those buying tickets to enter, with another patrolling the property, which covers more than half of a city block. Greyhound also agreed to maintain security cameras "that are in good working order" and capable of videotaping activity inside and outside the building and to install rolling, chain link vehicle gates at the driveway entrance and exits. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/07/01/greyhound-signs-agreement-city-crime-plagued-downtown-terminal/7827342002/
July 1, 20213 yr Columbus reaches 100 homicides and could surpass 2020 record of 175, data shows The number of homicides in Columbus has risen faster so far in 2021 than at anytime in the city's history, reaching 100 early Thursday with a shooting inside a Franklinton bar. And Columbus could surpass the record total of 175 homicides committed in 2020. In 2020, there were 59 homicides reported in the first half of the year, but 106 reported in the last six months of the year. In 2017, which had the previous record of 143 homicides, there were 68 homicides reported in the first half of the year and 73 reported between July 1 and Dec. 31. Last year, the 100th homicide was not reported until Sept. 7. In 2017, the second-deadliest year in city history with 143 homicides, the 100th homicide occurred on Oct. 10. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/07/01/100th-homicide-city-pace-shatter-2020-record/7797219002/
July 16, 20213 yr Columbus council adopts rules for Civilian Police Review Board The Columbus City Council on Monday completed the work that voters started in November by unanimously passing rules for the Civilian Police Review Board's operations, duties, training requirements and reporting obligations. "This legislation allows the board to get started," City Council President Shannon Hardin said as council members gathered in person in City Hall chambers for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. The city council also approved a separate, $1 million allocation funding the new Office of Inspector General, which will work directly for the review board conducting investigations into potential police officer misconduct. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/07/13/columbus-council-approves-rules-civilian-police-review-board-can-meet/7892865002/
July 21, 20213 yr City, police union reach tentative agreement on a new 3-year contract https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/07/20/raises-totaling-14-over-three-years-some-changes-city-police-union-reach-tentative-agreement-union-c/8025806002/ "A tentative contract has been reached between representatives of the union representing Columbus police officers and the city that includes a large payout for officers in exchange for some changes to how alleged police misconduct investigations are carried out, The Dispatch has learned." "Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge No. 9 are currently voting on the proposed contract through Saturday night. If the contract is approved by the members of the union, Columbus City Council would then vote on whether to accept the contract — perhaps as soon as Monday, the body's last meeting before its summer break."
July 25, 20213 yr What the hell is happening with the after hour shootings in the Short North? https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/four-shot-in-short-north-cpd-looking-for-multiple-suspects/ 4 people shot. This is the third afterhours shooting in a week or two. What is going on and who are these people shooting eachother on High in the Short North at 3 or 4 in the morning? I mean WTF? They had better get a handle on this sh*t soon. What is happening with this city Shooting and killing wise is disgraceful.
July 25, 20213 yr It's happening everywhere. I hate that the media refuses to address any of the reasons this is happening. This isn't Columbus-specific. It's not related to funding. It's not "Democrat-run city" specific. It's not even US-specific. This is largely pandemic-driven, which has caused more social and economic upheaval than arguably any other event in most of our lifetimes. It's also stressed everyone out. That's also why you're seeing huge increases in the number of violent incidents in places like planes, etc. In America, where everyone has an arsenal, there are few rules and where guns regularly fall into the hands of ill-intentioned people, the gun violence during such times was inevitable. Crime will decline when this whole situation has settled, but that could take some time given so many idiots out there ensuring it keeps going. For the record, Columbus is not currently on track to beat its record homicide rate set in the early 1990s, even with the increased shootings. That may change, but at the pace right now, it'll fall short.
July 26, 20213 yr On 7/20/2021 at 8:31 PM, Columbo said: City, police union reach tentative agreement on a new 3-year contract https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/07/20/raises-totaling-14-over-three-years-some-changes-city-police-union-reach-tentative-agreement-union-c/8025806002/ "A tentative contract has been reached between representatives of the union representing Columbus police officers and the city that includes a large payout for officers in exchange for some changes to how alleged police misconduct investigations are carried out, The Dispatch has learned." "Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge No. 9 are currently voting on the proposed contract through Saturday night. If the contract is approved by the members of the union, Columbus City Council would then vote on whether to accept the contract — perhaps as soon as Monday, the body's last meeting before its summer break." Columbus police union votes to approve new contract proposal "The union would not elaborate further - including releasing the vote totals - until after the deal also is approved by the City Council, the last hurdle remaining. However, the president of the FOP texted The Dispatch that his members had "overwhelmingly" approved the contract. The City Council vote could come as soon as Monday evening - the last meeting before council adjourns for its month-long summer break."
July 28, 20213 yr On 7/25/2021 at 10:04 AM, jonoh81 said: It's happening everywhere. I hate that the media refuses to address any of the reasons this is happening. This isn't Columbus-specific. It's not related to funding. It's not "Democrat-run city" specific. It's not even US-specific. This is largely pandemic-driven, which has caused more social and economic upheaval than arguably any other event in most of our lifetimes. It's also stressed everyone out. That's also why you're seeing huge increases in the number of violent incidents in places like planes, etc. In America, where everyone has an arsenal, there are few rules and where guns regularly fall into the hands of ill-intentioned people, the gun violence during such times was inevitable. Crime will decline when this whole situation has settled, but that could take some time given so many idiots out there ensuring it keeps going. For the record, Columbus is not currently on track to beat its record homicide rate set in the early 1990s, even with the increased shootings. That may change, but at the pace right now, it'll fall short. True. And yes it is easy to forget that you have to factor in not only the number of homicides but the number per capita-as Columbus as added a quarter or a million people since the early 90's(damn a whole quarter of a million...hard to digest really since it seems like it was only yesterday(the early 90s') to us older folks on here.)
July 28, 20213 yr On 7/26/2021 at 1:21 PM, Columbo said: Columbus police union votes to approve new contract proposal "The union would not elaborate further - including releasing the vote totals - until after the deal also is approved by the City Council, the last hurdle remaining. However, the president of the FOP texted The Dispatch that his members had "overwhelmingly" approved the contract. The City Council vote could come as soon as Monday evening - the last meeting before council adjourns for its month-long summer break." Columbus City Council approved the new three-year police contract at Monday's meeting before they have next month's summer break: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/07/27/columbus-city-council-approves-police-union-contract-14-pay-raise/5377116001/
July 31, 20213 yr I believe the city is now up to 122 homicides. Damn this is one hell of a bad year for them. I almost want to avoid any local news as it seems there is a new homicide nearly every day now-very depressing and disheartening to see this level of violence and killing in Cbus.
August 9, 20213 yr When the covid pandemic shut down offices and businesses in the summer of 2020, one of the side effects was the virtual emptying of traffic on city streets. Into that void came knuckleheads illegally riding dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets. At first, it was an unusual novelty. But as the businesses and restaurants started to reopen, that novelty became a nuisance, and then a safety concern. By 2021, the city and law enforcement needed to formulate a plan to deal with this issue: -- https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/07/21/columbus-has-new-enforcement-efforts-curb-atv-recklessness-downtown/8033308002/ -- Last month, Columbus City Council enacted greater fines and jail time for the reckless operation of an ATV or dirt bike on a city street. The new law also allowed for the impoundment of the vehicle. -- https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/08/04/authorities-arrest-11-recklessly-driving-atvs-dirt-bikes/5481290001/ -- Last week, Columbus Police, in conjunction with the Franklin County Sheriff's office and Whitehall Police, arrested 11 people and impounded 11 ATVs and dirt bikes.
August 10, 20213 yr Crazy part is you can barely buy the things because of the virus. There was an instant, immediate shortage of them that hasn't subsided. Plenty of Harleys for sale as always but dirt stuff is a no. You can still get the cheap Taiwanese ones. Of course stealing them is still a possibility. Illegal street riding has been a big thing in both Cincinnati and Cleveland for a while but wasn't nearly as big in Columbus. Seems like so much of this crime wave is kids bored out of their minds from no school (or crappy internet school that is super easy to skip) for an extended period. Edited August 10, 20213 yr by GCrites80s
September 10, 20213 yr Justice Department agrees to city's request to conduct review of Columbus police The U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to review Columbus Division of Police's patterns and policies, particularly pertaining to racial bias, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Thursday. The mayor and City Attorney Zach Klein had requested in April that the DOJ complete a review of the division. On Thursday, Klein said this review will be different than that done in other cities and will be a way to gain expertise from across the country on best practices. The DOJ has agreed to come into Columbus as part of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and it does not involve any litigation. When consent decrees are issued in cities by the DOJ, there is typically a lawsuit that is filed as part of the process. Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the DOJ will be working on reviews of several areas she has identified as "potential focus opportunities." Those include reviewing policies, officer training, technology and an early warning system to try and identify officers who may be in need of services prior to a critical incident taking place. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/09/09/doj-accepts-citys-invitation-review-columbus-police/5782556001/
September 21, 20213 yr Multiple armed robberies have happened in the Short North where the perpetrator rapidly approached the victims on a scooter and then scooted their way off into the sunset. This isn't going to solve the problem but it should sure help a bit.
September 21, 20213 yr 20 minutes ago, TIm said: Multiple armed robberies have happened in the Short North where the perpetrator rapidly approached the victims on a scooter and then scooted their way off into the sunset. This isn't going to solve the problem but it should sure help a bit. I'm sure this all belongs in another forum but here we go.... I almost headed this off but didn't. Now I wish I had. How many happen where the person is on foot? On a bike? Gets away in a car? Can we ban bikes, cars, and shoes? Notice the increased in private motorized scooters that are not banned. GPS tracking can also be used to identify the rental information of the scooter at an exact time and location of an incident so there is additional evidence against an assailant. How many happen within 5-10 ft of high street vs on Pearl, or 2nd, or any of the other miles of roads and alleys adjacent to high? We really think a ban on scooters is gonna stop them? The police, from their own words, won't engage scooter riders violating laws because the (paraphrasing their own liason, Weir) 'use of force required to intercept or stop a scooter violator could cause injury or rapid escalation' aka.... look bad when they start tackling or using tasers on people riding scooters trying to flee basic violations. If they lowjack high street, how do you cross high, let's say on second street or hubbard? How many other neighborhoods where crime is also on the rise aren't getting this ban? This may deter a couple crimes. However, it is more likely to just shift the method of transportation. Nah, bro. This is a cop out. The folks of the Short North have figured out a way to finally ban scooters they see as a nuisance and being too frequently used by 'hoodlums that don't belong'. I walk and bike the UD, Short North, and Downtown enough to get it. Scooters can be annoying at times but the villainization of them is just ridiculous. I'm still more likely to be injured or killed by a jerk in a car whether by accident or criminal activity than a scooter. I'd be willing to give a benefit of the doubt if it was a more expansive ban on scooters but this is not it. This is attaching a NIMBY goal to a tangential problem because they found a very weak link. Let's be serious. These are the same people begging for cops on every corner, shotspotter, etc etc etc. They're not far from begging CPD to institute stop and frisk policies, which many in the ranks of CPD would be more than willing to do. I get it. There are issues. I live here too. I'm affected by this increase in crime as well in how I consider my daily movement or situational awareness. But grasping at straws with stupid policies ain't it. Make it make sense. Call out BS when we see it.
September 26, 20213 yr Maybe they should ban scooters here too... /s (Sorry. This will be my last one. I still just can't with the scooter ban)
September 27, 20213 yr 21 hours ago, DTCL11 said: Maybe they should ban scooters here too... /s (Sorry. This will be my last one. I still just can't with the scooter ban) Well duh! They just need to start banning Honda Accords! /s
September 28, 20213 yr Ohio State announces at least $20 million in funding to enhance safety on and around campus The Ohio State University will be putting millions of dollars to increase safety around the campus area. OSU President Kristina Johnson announced Friday that the school will be investing at least $20 million over the next decade, at $2 million a year to fund enhanced safety and security on and around campus. Johnson, along with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther spoke about the safety measures including an expansion of off-campus security along with private security, additional mobile lighting, and 10 mobile cameras during a news conference Friday. MORE: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/ohio-state-announces-funding-to-enhance-safety-on-and-around-campus/
September 30, 20213 yr https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/columbus-police-officers-charged-crimes-related-distributing-least-7-kilograms-fentan-0 Quote Columbus police officers charged with crimes related to distributing at least 7 kilograms of fentanyl COLUMBUS, Ohio – Federal agents arrested two officers with the Columbus Division of Police’s drug cartel unit. Marco R. Merino, 44, of Columbus, and John J. Kotchkoski, 33, of Marengo, Ohio, were allegedly involved in the distribution of approximately seven and a half kilograms of fentanyl. Merino also allegedly accepted bribes to protect the transportation of cocaine. That's basically enough fentanyl to kill the entire Columbus metro population and then some. Very Stable Genius
October 4, 20213 yr As carjackings and thefts rise, Columbus police revamp effort targeting young thieves As Columbus police see another spike in the number of cars being stolen, particularly by teens, an operation that saw success earlier this year is being resurrected. Cmdr. Duane Mabry said the rebirth of "Operation Game Over," which started earlier this year after three clusters of teens were identified as being involved in a number of purse thefts, car thefts and carjackings, will hopefully help find those responsible for the recent uptick. Mabry said that in recent weeks officers and detectives have gotten more reports of cars being stolen, especially at gas stations and in parking lots where vehicles are left unattended for short periods of time. ... Police are concerned because not only are teens involved, but some incidents have also involved pre-teens or tweens. There have also been two higher profile incidents that led to significant police resources in the response, one of which involved a 12-year-old. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/09/28/car-thefts-increase-police-revamping-effort-targeting-teen-thieves/8418878002/
October 4, 20213 yr On 2/4/2021 at 12:10 PM, Columbo said: Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on a murder charge and arrested Wednesday for the shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hill. Hill, an unarmed black man, was fatally shot by Coy after Coy and another officer responded to a call from a neighbor on December 22, 2020. Coy also faces an additional three counts from the grand jury, felonious assault and two counts of dereliction of duty — one for failing to turn on his body camera when he responded to the scene, and another for failing to inform his fellow officer that he felt Hill presented a danger. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, whose office will prosecute Coy, released a statement on Wednesday detailing the charges against Coy. Yost also tweeted in reference to the Coy prosecution that “The rule of law comes down to this: the same rules for everybody.” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther posted support for the indictment, saying that while the indictment “does not lessen the pain” of Hill’s death, “it is a step toward justice.” https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/2021/02/03/ohio-attorney-general-adam-coy-indicted-death-andre-hill/4381820001/ https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/former-ohio-police-officer-indicted-for-murder-in-dec-2020-shooting-of-unarmed-andre-hill/ March 7 trial set for former Columbus officer facing murder charge in death of Andre Hill: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2021/10/04/trial-set-former-columbus-officer-who-shot-and-killed-andre-hill/5988276001/
October 7, 20213 yr Report claims 17 gangs with about 480 members behind nearly half of Columbus 2020 homicides A report conducted by a national research center concluded that a significantly small group of violent actors in Columbus were behind nearly half the city's homicides that occurred in a nine-month period in 2020, the city's deadliest year on record. A team of six researchers at the National Network for Safe Communities worked with the Columbus Division of Police to review 107 homicides between January and September 2020 and identify active gangs — referred to in the report sometimes as “groups" because the researchers said there was not evidence in some cases of the organization of a gang as much as an association of like-minded members. Among the report’s most significant findings is that 17 gangs comprised of an estimated 480 total members — roughly .05% of the city’s population — were confirmed to be or suspected to be involved in 46% of homicides in that period, either as victims, perpetrators or both. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/06/report-many-columbus-homicides-involve-gang-group-members/6009299001/
October 7, 20213 yr https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/man-fatally-shoots-man-in-german-village/530-48886e33-cf10-4c4b-a0d8-a484980918c8 Quote A 32-year-old man is dead and another 36-year-old man injured after a shooting in German Village late Wednesday night. Columbus police responded to the 600 block of Lazelle Street shortly after 11:30 p.m., where they found two men who had been shot. Both men were taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. According to police, the 32-year-old man was pronounced dead shortly before midnight. Prior to heading into surgery, the 36-year-old man told investigators the other man had approached him and shot him in the leg. The man, who police say is a CCW permit holder, fired shots in return, fatally wounding the man. Police recovered two handguns at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, but there have been no charges filed at this time. Police have not yet identified the suspect. Edited October 7, 20213 yr by DarkandStormy Very Stable Genius
October 7, 20213 yr 5 minutes ago, DarkandStormy said: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/man-fatally-shoots-man-in-german-village/530-48886e33-cf10-4c4b-a0d8-a484980918c8 I was fully expecting to read that the Whittier project was somehow to blame for the violence.
October 7, 20213 yr "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 12, 20213 yr City announces $15 million for new safety facilities in Columbus “Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and city leaders announced $15 million in proposed funding for two new safety facilities during a briefing on Tuesday. The funds will go toward a new Sullivant Avenue police substation in the Hilltop area, as well as a new Real-Time Crime Center in Linden. The substation would serve as housing for police officers, and would also provide a space for equipment, community meetings and recreational amenities that the city hopes will strengthen relations between officers and the community. The crime center would provide space for the relocation of 911 dispatch services and an area for technical staff to analyze data that can be relayed to officers in the field. Ginther said this building will be located at 750 Piedmont Road once built.” https://www.10tv.com/mobile/article/news/local/mayor-ginther-announces-funding-for-new-safety-facilities-in-columbus/530-c4428165-41e7-4194-981a-695af000a66e?fbclid=IwAR2WkKeUw3OJsXeQSIeXeKcJY9O0hI2Z6xALjGg01MXY4owOjN54IF21J-0
November 10, 20213 yr https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/11/08/killing-target-morse-crossing-ties-columbus-record-homicides/6341017001/ A man fatally shot Monday just outside the Target store at Morse Crossing near Easton Town Center was the 175th homicide victim in Columbus in 2021. With nearly two months remaining this year, that ties the record yearly total of homicides in Columbus history set in 2020. In a prepared news release, Columbus police said that it was around 11:30 a.m. when the victim, who was in his 20's, exited the store and was waiting out front when the suspect approached him and shot him.
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