COLUMBUS – Columbus police say the man killed in by SWAT officers in the parking lot of a Grove City shopping center Saturday night was wanted on a rape charge in Athens County.
The officers were trying to arrest Bret Andrews in the parking lot of a Home Depot store at 1680 Stringtown Road shortly before 8:30 p.m. when officers opened fire, striking the 30-year-old Andrews, who died later at Grant Medical Center.
Andrews, 46, was wanted for a felony rape charge in Athens County, according to a release from the Division of Police.
The officers involved in the shooting were identified as Officers James Ashenhurst, Robert Cutshall and Matthew Liford, all veterans with more than 20 years’ experience in the division. They were assigned to the SWAT Gold Team.
Police said a gun was recovered at the scene.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation into the shooting.