A Columbus Division of Police officer is facing serious felony allegations after what authorities describe as a violent confrontation in the Polaris area. Officer Jacob Smith was arrested Tuesday in Delaware County on a felony strangulation charge and a related weapons count, according to court documents. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 10, 2026.
What Prosecutors Allege
In a criminal complaint, prosecutors allege Smith wrapped a hand around the victim’s neck more than once, at one point rendering the person unconscious and causing them to urinate on themselves. The filing also claims he threatened the person with a gun and now faces an additional charge of illegal possession of a firearm on a liquor-permit premise, as reported by NBC4.
Pretrial Conditions and Court Date
State prosecutors have asked the court for tight controls if Smith is released before trial. They recommended a $250,000 bond and requested pretrial supervision, GPS monitoring, house arrest and a no-contact order with the alleged victim. Online court records list the March 10 preliminary hearing date and show prosecutors flagged what they described as alleged heavy drinking and Smith’s access to firearms when arguing for those conditions.
Officer's Personnel Status
The Columbus Division of Police told reporters that Smith was relieved of duty at the time of his arrest. According to the department, he had already been pulled from assignments in 2024 while another criminal investigation in a different county was pending. Police have not publicly said whether further administrative discipline is coming, the department told NBC4.
Legal Context
Under Ohio law, allegations that someone cut off another person's breathing or caused serious physical harm can be prosecuted as felonious assault. The statute is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. A separate set of laws governs carrying or concealing weapons and includes specific provisions about firearms in certain locations, including liquor-permit premises, detailed in the Ohio Revised Code.
What’s Next
Smith is due back in Delaware County court on March 10 for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to move forward. If the charges advance, Smith will be navigating both the criminal court process and a separate internal personnel review by the Columbus Division of Police.
