Police identify man killed by officer in northeast Columbus
Jerry D. Smith, 37, was shot and killed after he reportedly fired at officers who were responding to a domestic violence call on Hampton Woods Court, police said.
The two officers who were involved were 25- and 28-year veterans of the Columbus Division of Police. Police did not release the officers' names, citing Marsy's Law.
A hurried change to a law meant for crime victims now shields the identities of officers who kill
According to Columbus police, officers responded to the Easton Ridge Apartments on Hampton Woods Court in the Strawberry Farms neighborhood at approximately 9:40 p.m.
When officers arrived at around 10 p.m. they were reportedly shot at while a woman was being held hostage. SWAT and hostage negotiators were notified and responded to the scene.
Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert said over the next hour he was able to make contact with Smith over the phone and with the assistance of negotiators attempted to deescalate the incident. The suspect continued to fire shots at SWAT officers on multiple occasions.
'He means it': Neighbor called 911 before Columbus police kill suspect
At 11:46 p.m., Smith reportedly opened the door while holding the woman and raised a gun, at which time officers shot and injured him. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. The woman was able to escape and run towards safety.
No officers were injured and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.
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