COLUMBUS, OH – A standoff between SWAT officers and a suspect in domestic violence turned fatally violent in west Columbus on Thursday night. The confrontation erupted when the Columbus Division of Police was called to Cherryberry Drive. The call led to an hours-long barricade scenario, details of which the police spokesperson didn’t release.
According to Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert, the suspect stabbed multiple officers during the standoff, triggering at least one SWAT officer to open fire, killing the suspect. Initially, there were reports of two officers shot, but it was later clarified that three officers were stabbed.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Benjamin Wheeler by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, was announced dead at 9:45 p.m.
The officers, each served for over two decades in the department, were rushed to Grant Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. All but one officer has been discharged, with the third officer expecting to head home Friday afternoon.
The details that led up to the fatal shooting remain undisclosed. As per Brian Steel, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 President, Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation will probe the incident.
Commenting on the event, Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti stated, “Our officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe. Last night was a reminder of the dangers they face simply doing their jobs…”