A police officer was injured and an armed robbery suspect was killed during a shootout following a robbery and police pursuit in Columbus, Ohio. Two additional suspects are currently being sought by the police. The incident began when a Porsche was stolen at gunpoint from a local dealership, leading to a series of events that culminated in a violent exchange of gunfire.
The robbery took place at the Byers Porsche dealership on North Hamilton Road in Columbus. Shortly after, officers responded to a robbery at Fifth Third Bank on Hilliard-Rome Road, where it was determined that the bank robbery suspects were the same individuals who had stolen the Porsche. The police pursued the suspects onto Interstate 70 eastbound, and the pursuit ended just east of West Mound Street. During the pursuit, gunfire was exchanged between the suspects and the officers, although the exact location of the exchange remains unclear.
One officer was shot in the leg during the shootout, while one of the robbery suspects was fatally shot. The wounded officer was rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition and underwent surgery. His condition is now described as stable. Both suspects fled the scene on foot, heading south on the interstate. Descriptions of the suspects were provided by the police: one was a black male wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, and white shoes, while the other was a black male wearing a red and white striped shirt, black pants, and white shoes.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently looking into the officer-involved shooting, while the Columbus Division of Police’s Homicide Unit is investigating the bank robbery. As a result of the incident, a section of I-70 near Mound Street has been closed in both directions, and it is expected to remain closed for several hours.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein expressed his support for the injured officer and his family, emphasizing the dangers faced by law enforcement officers. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also released a statement, thanking her officers and the medical personnel at Grant Medical Center for their actions.