On 01/05/18 at 8:03 AM, the Joint Eastside Tactical Response Team executed a narcotics search warrant at 5300 Great Oak Way, Apartment G. An individual at this location was selling fentanyl-laced heroin and a search warrant was issued by the Franklin County Municipal Court for this apartment. Upon entry into the apartment, the officers encountered an armed individual that led to a confrontation. The individual, a 28-year-old male, was shot by the officers. Three officers were involved in the shooting. The male was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The names of the officers and the deceased male are not being released at this time until all proper notifications have been made.
The Columbus Division of Police was called in to investigate the shooting. The incident is still under investigation. The tactical response team encountered 5 additional adults and 2 children in the home that were safely removed. No officers were injured.
“This was an extremely dangerous location for officers and the community,” stated Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen, “a resident was selling heroin and fentanyl from the home where children lived and were present. The presence of fentanyl required all officers to be checked for contamination. Any loss of life is unfortunate and out of respect for all families involved we are not releasing names at this time. This incident will be investigated by the Columbus Division of Police, an outside uninvolved agency.”