A 19-year-old man has been charged with aggravated murder after a deadly shooting in the Polaris area of Columbus, resulting in the death of a 26-year-old man. According to ABC6, the suspect, identified as Elijah Roberts, allegedly shot Joseph Suiter last night near the Target store on Polaris Parkway.
Law enforcement believes the altercation that subsequently led to gunfire stemmed from a drug deal. Driving away after being shot, Suiter crashed near the Target, where he succumbed to his injuries. After the shooting, with Roberts being held at the Delaware County Jail, Joseph Suiter "was pronounced dead a short time later," ABC6 reported.
The Columbus Division of Police reports that officers responded to the incident around 6:15 p.m., finding the victim inside a car with a gunshot wound. 10TV shared a statement from Columbus Police Sgt. Joseph Albert indicated that the victim had possibly been involved in an altercation before being shot and seeking refuge in a wooded area. Sgt. Albert confirmed that "the shooting was not connected to the Target, which did not go on lockdown and was open during the active scene."
Witnesses at the shooting scene led to the identification and arrest of Roberts, who Columbus SWAT officers apprehended at a nearby residence. Providing details of the arrest, Sgt. Albert, as conveyed by WKBN, stated, "Elijah Roberts, 19, surrendered voluntarily." Despite the event's proximity to a bustling shopping area, Sgt. Albert expressed concern, noting, "Very concerning that we have somebody that's willing to resort to gun violence any time of day, but let alone with this many people present." Yet, he highlighted the seclusion of the crime scene, which was "just north of us, behind the target building itself."
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting, seeking additional information. They have urged anyone with knowledge, cell phone footage, or any other evidence to come forward. Sgt. Joe Albert made a point of calling out to the public for assistance, stating, "We’re asking anybody that’s got any information, cell phone video, anything like that, that would be helpful, reach out to us," according to WKBN.
