COLUMBUS – An outbreak of gun violence in Columbus continued into a third day Monday with five people, including a 13-year-old boy shot in three separate incidents.
Following a weekend that saw four people, including a teen, killed by gunfire, detectives say an arrest warrant has been filed on a murder charge for Kevin Johnson, 54, who allegedly shot 32-year-old Jermar Watters to death during an argument in the area of 1094 E. 17th Avenue just before 7:00 p.m., Sgt. James Marable of the Homicide Unit said.
A 52-year-old woman and a 9-year-old boy at the scene were not reported to be injured, police said.
The city’s 56th homicide was reported about three hours later. Marquise Hale was found lying in front of 1910 Fountain View, suffering from gunshot wounds, just after 10:15 p.m. and he died later at the hospital, said Sgt. David Shimberg of the Homicide Unit.
Four other men in the area were struck by gunfire and drove themselves to an area hospital where Shimberg says they are expected to recover.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or knows the whereabouts of Kevin Johnson, is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
A 13-year-old boy was in stable condition after being shot in the leg while riding his bicycle to the store.
He explained to detectives that he heard several gunshots behind him as he pulled into the parking lot of the Food Mart at 3351 E. Main Street at approximately 9:18 p.m. He was struck in the left leg.
The youth said he didn’t see who fired the shots or knew why he would have been targeted.
Anyone with information concerning the shooting is asked to call the Columbus police Assault Unit at 614-645-4141 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
A spate of shootings around the country has law enforcement worried that this summer could be a violent one.
The shootings are happening in a turbulent brew of a pandemic that has left many without jobs, racial unrest and a rancorous election season. Added to this mix are many new gun purchases, judging by historic numbers of background checks.
Gun-rights advocates say the times show that Americans need to be prepared to defend themselves. Gun-control supporters say the surge in firearm sales could lead to more violence.