Bodycam video released from shooting in Gahanna
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Franklin County Sheriff's Office released footage Monday of a shooting in Gahanna, where an arrest warrant was being served.
The sheriff’s office had previously announced that a SWAT unit was serving an arrest warrant for a wanted suspect at 825 Tech Center Drive, a building which is being renovated into the new Gahanna Municipal Complex, before a shooting took place.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the suspect in question was 32-year-old Alexander Tolber, who deputies had reason to believe was armed and they were told to use caution upon approaching him.
Chief Deputy Rick Minerd Jr. narrated the recorded body-worn camera video from the Oct. 30 shooting, which showed deputies announcing themselves to Tolber and advised him they were issuing a warrant for his arrest.
The video showed that within seconds, Tolber began to back away and appeared to be reaching behind his back. The body cam footage revealed that Tolber did possess a gun as he backed away further and retreated towards a construction trailer. Minerd said Tolber then began to lift his arm.
Minerd said he believes at least three officers fired their weapons and that Tolber sustained an unknown number of injuries from being shot.
Tolber was wanted on multiple charges filed through Franklin County, including menacing by stalking, fleeing an officer - failure to comply and obstruction of official police business. Additionally, Tolber has been convicted or charged with assault, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest, fugitive from justice and disorderly conduct.
All alleged incidents occurred within the past year. The menacing by stalking charge stems from an Oct. 28 incident at Hilliard City Nutrition on Cemetery Road. Tolber also had a warrant for his arrest out of Fairfield County on an assault charge from an Oct. 21 incident.
Minerd said Monday that the Gahanna shooting escalated quickly and he referred to still shots from the video that showed what appeared to be Tolber holding a gun.
"We were told he might be found there (at the construction site) that morning," Minerd said. "Officers set up there that morning, hoping to take him into custody without any incident."
Minerd added that an alert issued on a suspect does not give specifics, but placed if there is a potential threat. The FCSO also received information that Tolber may be armed, which is why a SWAT team with advanced training was sent.
"Had that decision not been made it could have been much worse."
Tolber was hospitalized in critical condition, though the injury appeared to be non-life threatening, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies recovered a gun at the scene.
No deputies were injured during the incident, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate the shooting and will make a determination whether or not the deputies involved would be charged.
Additional charges filed against Tolber are also possible, Minerd said.