For roughly six weeks an area in the Southside of Columbus has been the scene of multiple shootouts.
Residents have been terrorized by the violence. Homes along Fifth Street South have been struck with stray bullets. They simply were caught in the “crossfire,” authorities say.
Columbus police told The Dispatch on Thursday the “epicenter” of the violence is the house at 1329 Fifth St. S. Officers have responded to at least five calls of shots fired in the area since May.
It happened again Thursday.
Officers responded to a disturbance call at the home about 2 p.m. and when they got there, “numerous suspects” were fleeing. A search warrant was subsequently executed at the home.
Police recovered ammunition, a .40-caliber handgun and a shotgun. Capt. Brent Swan with CPD said it looked to police as though the weapons had been purposely hidden. Officers also recovered a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, but Swan added that there is evidence to support that individuals living in the house have been dealing in narcotics.
Eight people were arrested. CPD did not release the names of those arrested by press time today.
Some of the suspects will be charged with misdemeanor drug charges, but at least one will be charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to Swan.
Authorities are still seeking a man named Victor Demarcus Shanklin, who is wanted for aggravated assault, for allegedly shooting at the home at 1329 Fifth St. S. on the morning of May 15.
Shanklin’s last known address is 2214 26th St. N., in Columbus, and anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the Columbus Police Department or the Golden Triangle Crimestoppers.
Swan, in an email, said that in the Fifth Street South area officers “are increasing our patrol presence and the Columbus Police Department is committed to stopping these acts of violence which put innocent people in fear.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
