News
Columbus Officer In Critical Condition Identified
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Authorities are identifying the Ohio police officer they say was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him.
Columbus police on Monday said SWAT Officer Steven M. Smith is a 27-year veteran with the Columbus Division of Police. The police statement says the 54-year-old Smith is in critical condition at a Columbus hospital.
Police have said the suspect refused to surrender after Sunday’s shooting. They say several hours passed during which smoke and flames were seen in the man’s apartment.
The 44-year-old man gave up after a loud bang was heard inside the apartment. Police say the noise was part of a strategy to end the standoff.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The Latest on a Columbus police officer shot as officers attempted to serve a warrant:
12:55 p.m.
A Columbus police officer is in critical condition after he was shot while officers tried to arrest a man on a warrant for aggravated arson.
Police say the SWAT officer was in an armored vehicle when the suspect opened fire from inside an apartment early Sunday, hitting the officer.
The officer underwent surgery at Ohio State University’s medical center. Columbus police chief Kim Jacobs described him as a well-liked veteran officer. His identity has not been released.
Police say the suspect refused to surrender and at one point smoke and flames were seen in the apartment.
Police spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner says suspect Lincoln Rutledge eventually gave up around 7:15 a.m. He was being treated at a second hospital for smoke inhalation and an apparent gunshot wound.
___
9:40 a.m.
Police say a Columbus police officer was shot during an overnight standoff that began when officers tried to serve an arrest warrant.
The officer was hospitalized following the early Sunday shooting in a northside neighborhood. His condition was not immediately available.
Columbus police spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner said smoke and flames were seen from the residence after the shooting.
Multiple media reports say a suspect was taken from the house about 7:30 a.m.