The Columbus Division of Police has released new body camera footage from a shooting incident that took place last Wednesday at Lincoln Park's Barack Community Center, near a packed community pool on the south side of the city. According to ABC6, the footage shows an officer responding to sounds of gunfire while lifeguards and parents hurriedly escorted children to safety.
In the video, multiple gunshots can be heard in the background while the officer on duty at the pool area stands up and calls for the immediate evacuation of the pool, as captured by The Columbus Dispatch. Later analysis turned up several shell casings near an apartment complex by South 18th Street and East Morrill Avenue. During the fast-moving response, officers encountered three teenagers, one of whom, a 15-year-old, was observed tossing a handgun into the pool area. During the rapid response to secure the area, according to body camera footage.
Two teenagers have been charged following the chaotic scene. A 16-year-old was shot by police after failing to comply with commands and was found with a firearm near the juvenile. That teen is currently recovering in a hospital, facing several charges, noted ABC6. Additionally, a 15-year-old has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and tampering with evidence after allegedly running from officers and discarding a loaded handgun.
Last week, Mayor Andrew Ginther was questioned by ABC6 about the city's strategies to address youth violence. However, as the community reeled from the shooting's proximity to children and families, specific plans for tackling the root of youth violence in Columbus remain in public discourse. And while an officer stationed at the pool, in the initial moments after the shooting, is heard on the bodycam footage imploring, signaling to lifeguards and parents to protectively usher out children out of the water, as reported by WBNS.
