A tragic incident early this morning has left a 3-year-old boy dead in southeast Columbus, a loss that punctuates an ongoing concern regarding child safety and gun violence in the area. Officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to a call about a shooting on the 6600 block of Kodiak Drive near US-33 and Gender Road at approximately 8:55 a.m., as first reported by ABC6. Upon arrival, they discovered that the young child had suffered a gunshot wound; he was immediately rushed to Nationwide Children's Hospital and was pronounced dead by 9:51 a.m. Further details about the incident remain sparse at this time. Authorities are investigating to ascertain whether the gunshot was self-inflicted or the result of another party's actions.
According to sources from WBNS, police dispatchers were informed in the initial call that the boy had potentially shot himself, a detail that has yet to be clarified as detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, a caller had reported to the dispatcher that the child may have inflicted the gunshot on himself, which added a layer of complexity to an already heart-rending case. The incident took place in an apartment complex that was subsequently cordoned off by police, including the building, leasing office, and nearby playground.
This latest shooting contributes to a grim tally for Columbus in 2025, where, prior to September 22, at least eight children under the age of 18 had been killed, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The data compiled by Columbus police also indicates that at least 106 people under 18 have been victims of felonious assaults, which can include gun violence. Additionally, of the 58 homicides reported before September 22, 16 involved suspects who were minors themselves.
