COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Newly released body camera footage shows the moments before a Columbus police officer shot an armed man Friday night on the city’s southeast side.
The incident happened along Burstock Road around 5:06 p.m. after police said the driver of a vehicle refused to cooperate during a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Deontis Williams-Spencer, fled on foot after pulling into a driveway, while the passenger remained in the vehicle.
During the pursuit, an officer reported, “he’s got a gun.”
Police said several warnings were given to drop the weapon before shots were fired.
The suspect turned toward the officer with a firearm in hand, reports indicated, prompting the officer to discharge their weapon, striking the suspect in both legs.
Police said the suspect was taken into custody without further incident and received medical aid from officers until Columbus Division of Fire personnel arrived. He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
Columbus police said the officer’s actions were justified based on the footage.
Williams-Spencer faces charges of obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony, and aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor.
No officers were injured during the incident, and the suspect’s condition has not been released.
