Полиция Колумбуса расширит программу расследования негрозных стрельб на западной стороне города

Columbus police to expand nonfatal shooting program to West Side after North Side gains COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police and city leaders are expanding a specialized police team focused on solving non-fatal shootings on the city’s West Side, an effort officials say has already helped reduce gun violence and boost case clearance rates in several neighborhoods. In South Linden, Don Diegroy spent Tuesday sweeping up a shopping plaza parking lot and said he has seen conditions improve as police put more focus on solving non-fatal shootings. Diegroy said the area “was real terrible, real terrible,” but “it’s gotten better over the years.” He added he’s now noticing less violence, saying, “Certainly a big difference, a big difference.” City leaders have credited part of that improvement to a non-fatal shooting team created in 2024 to increase solve rates in Zone Six, that focused on South Linden and the Milo-Grogan neighborhoods. “It brings more investigative resources, more expertise, and more urgency to solving non-fatal shootings and identifying repeat offenders,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said Tuesday. “It definitely has made a difference,” Diegroy said. Now, City Hall and Columbus police are expanding the program to Zone Three on the West Side. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said. “We know that this works," she said. "The team concept works, and we are excited about expanding the program; ultimately our goal is to have a non-fatal shooting team in every zone.” The West Side’s shooting case clearance rates this year hover around 26% for 94 incidents. West Side residents said they hope the added resources will curb violence. “I hope it makes a big difference, stop the crime,” said Kathy Howell, who lives on the West Side. City Hall said the non-fatal shooting teams have made a significant impact since the program came to Diegroy’s Zone Six neighborhood in Linden. The clearance rate there this year is now 88% compared with a 45% solve rate citywide. The team last year filed 500 additional charges, including attempted murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping. Phillip Harmon, who lives on the west side, said he can’t wait to see the new team in the neighborhood. “It definitely will help get the guns off the street,” adding, “That would be really great for kids that are in the area, you don’t have to worry about them being here after dark,” he said. The new non-fatal shooting team is expected to be in place by the end of September.