A weekday morning on Columbus' southeast side turned violent on Wednesday when a person was shot near the intersection of Refugee Road and Hines Road and rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Officers responded to the scene just before 8 a.m., found the wounded individual at the intersection and had medics transport the victim, who remained in critical condition as detectives began their investigation.
What Officials Say
According to WSYX/ABC6, officers were called to the area shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday and located the victim at the crossing of Refugee and Hines roads. Medics took the person to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical condition. As of the station's early-morning report, investigators had not released any suspect information or a possible motive while they processed the scene.
Intersection Has Been Targeted For Fixes
City records show the Refugee and Hines intersection has already been on officials' radar for safety and traffic upgrades. Recent capital improvement plans call for widening approaches and adding turn lanes at the crossing. The Columbus City Council documents outline funding and design work for the project, which officials describe as aimed at improving both traffic flow and safety at the busy intersection.
Neighborhood Context
Wednesday's shooting adds to a string of violent incidents on Columbus' east and southeast sides this month, including other early-morning and late-night gunfire that has prompted public calls for tips. As reported in coverage of deadly gunfire on Old Coble Street, detectives have been juggling multiple shootings in the broader area and have urged residents to share video or any information that could help move those investigations forward.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone with information about the shooting near Refugee Road and Hines Road is asked to contact the Columbus Division of Police non-emergency line at (614) 645-4545 or submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. The city's police website lists the non-emergency number along with resources for filing certain reports online.
WSYX/ABC6 first reported the incident. Police have said they will release additional updates as detectives continue processing the scene. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video from the area is urged to contact investigators through the police non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers.
