An individual at a party where a Columbus teenager was fatally shot has been issued a citation for also firing a weapon at the party.
Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton confirmed in a press release this morning that one individual is facing a misdemeanor discharging a weapon in the city limits citation after firing shots at Propst Park during a birthday party Saturday night.
Arykah White, 16, of Columbus, died at the party after a fight broke out and another teenager fired into a crowd outside the Propst Park activity center. Curtis Lathan, 17, of Columbus, was charged with her murder Tuesday.
Shelton did not name the individual who was issued the misdemeanor citation, nor did he indicate what that individual’s role was at the party. He also did not indicate whether Lathan or the other individual shot first.
Shelton declined to release further details on the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation.
“There has been a lot of talk and speculation about the tragic shooting in Propst Park last Saturday evening,” he said in the press release. “Much of the information on the street is incorrect. The investigation continues into the incident and I cannot and will not share details that will harm or set back the investigation. The integrity of the investigation is vital as we develop new information each day.
“We want to keep the public informed but we must protect the case as we continue our gathering of facts,” he added.
The Dispatch has submitted public records requests for the incident report and arrest affidavits from the event; documents pertaining to the rental of facilities at Propst Park over the weekend the party took place; and policies for renting city parks facilities for private events, including security requirements.
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