Teen girl killed in police shooting in southeast Columbus, police release body-cam video
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating a fatal police shooting in southeast Columbus. Family members have identified the victim as Ma’Khia Bryant.
Bryant was under the care of Franklin County Children Services.
*Disclaimer: This is raw, unedited video provided by the Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Police said at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to 3171 Legion Lane. The caller said females were there to stab them and put their hands on them, according to police.
Columbus Police said dispatchers were unable to get information about weapons at the scene.
Officers arrived at the scene at 4:44 p.m.
Body-camera video from a responding officer shows Bryant appearing to try to stab two females when the officer fired, striking her.
Columbus Interim Police Chief Michael Woods said officers immediately began life-saving measures and medics were called immediately.
Bryant was taken to Mt. Carmel East in critical condition but was pronounced just before 5:30 p.m.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said it is a tragic day for the city. He said the officer took action to protect another young girl.
It's a tragic day in the city of Columbus. A horrible, heartbreaking situation. I'm not just the mayor, I'm a father. The city of Columbus lost a 15-year-old girl today. We know based on this footage, the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community. But a family is grieving tonight and this young 15-year-old girl will never be coming home.
Columbus Police and Ginther said it was important to share the video Tuesday night as quickly as possible. He said more information will be released in the hours and days ahead. They said information will be released as long as it does not compromise BCI's investigation.
"I ask for everyone to pray for peace," Ginther said. "Tonight we pray for this family, pray for our city, and we pray for our neighbors throughout this community."
The mayor is also asking anyone with information on the shooting and what led to the shooting to call the police.
Public Safety Director Ned Pettus said the death of Bryant is "devastating."
"She could be my grandchild," Pettus said. "My heart breaks for the family tonight. No matter what the circumstances, that family is in agony and they are in my prayers."
Pettus said the family and the city deserve answers.
"Fast, quick answers cannot come at the cost of accurate answers," he said.
He said BCI will conduct a thorough investigation, which will be made public.
"If an officer has violated policy or law, if they have, they will be held accountable," Pettus said.
Woods said the officer who fired his gun has been taken off the streets.
Following the shooting, a crowd gathered at the scene and in downtown Columbus.
This shooting happened just before the verdict was announced in the Derek Chauvin trial. Chauvin was found guilty of the death of George Floyd last May. Floyd's death sparked protests around the world, including in Columbus.
ABC 6/FOX 28 will continue to follow this story.
