Law enforcement officials from the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office swiftly responded to a distress call reporting a shooting incident at 144 North High Street in Canal Winchester, Ohio, on March 23, 2024. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies were briefed on the situation, revealing that a group of suspects had attempted to break into a vehicle parked at the location. In response, the owner of the vehicle confronted the suspects outside.
The suspects, inside a car, hastily fled northward on North High Street, during which one of them fired a single shot from the moving vehicle at the victim. Fortunately, the shot struck a parked vehicle in the vicinity, and no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, law enforcement officials managed to locate the suspect vehicle shortly thereafter, initiating a brief pursuit with the assistance of a neighboring agency. It was subsequently revealed that the vehicle in question had been reported stolen from the Columbus area.
Upon apprehending the suspects, five individuals fled from the vehicle but were eventually captured by law enforcement personnel in the area and taken into custody.
The individuals arrested were identified as juveniles, with ages and genders as follows: 16-year-old female, 16-year-old male, 14-year-old male, and two 13-year-old males. The charges against them range from serious felonies such as Improperly Discharging a Firearm at a Habitation (F2) and Improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (F4) to Receiving Stolen Property (F4) and Criminal Damaging (M2).
Subsequently, the juveniles were transported to the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, where they will remain until their arraignment hearing.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau. Authorities anticipate additional charges to be filed as the investigation progresses.
Sheriff Lape expressed gratitude to various law enforcement agencies, including the Columbus Police Department, Carroll Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, and Madison Township Police Department, for their collaboration and assistance in responding to the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
