COLUMBUS, Ohio — Randy Alan said he woke up to the sound of emergency crews responding to a shooting outside of Noir Lounge in downtown Columbus early Monday morning.
“Just cops, sirens one after another,” Alan said. “I heard probably 13, 14 cars and some ambulances.”
Two people were shot outside the nightclub around 1:15 a.m. and pronounced dead shortly after, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Alan has lived across the street from the lounge for about three months and said news of the shooting was concerning, especially since he sometimes walks his dog at night.
“There has really never been an issue. This why it is one of the reasons I chose this area,” he said. “I have never had any problems or anything.”
An attorney for Noir Lounge said there were no issues inside the nightclub before the shooting and its staff was not involved in the incident.
He shared the following statement:
“Noir Lounge, and its staff are actively assisting the Columbus Division of Police in their investigation of the senseless violence that occurred last night near our location. Out of respect for the victims, we are withholding further comment until Police complete their analysis.”
There have been some noise complaints at Noir Lounge, but no other issues, according to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein's office.
“While the Division of Police is still investigating the facts of these incidents, my office is in contact with bar owners and all options remain on the table as we work to determine how we can make these places safer for patrons, staff and neighbors. Public safety remains our top priority,” Klein said.
Antheona Blake used to live in the same building as Alan and was back checking her mail when she found out about the shooting. She said she just moved away from downtown over concerns of crime.
“I am happy that I moved out because that is crazy that that happened. I am sorry for the people who passed away and their families,” Blake said.
Safety has been one of the main focuses of the Capital Crossroads & Discovery Special Improvement Districts.
“Downtown is probably one the safest, if not the safest neighborhood in the city. I think that through the efforts of the SID, but also the city attorney's office, city police and partners that we have made an impact and I think people recognize our work downtown,” said Deputy Director of Operations & Advocacy Lisa Defendiefer.
Defendiefer said the fatal shootings are not indicative of the main safety concerns in the neighborhood.
“The biggest concerns right now that we are hearing about is folks who are in crisis on the street. We are also hearing about loud noises late at night after bars and clubs close... and about vehicles that are blaring their music and screeching their tires and drag racing. We are doing everything we can to address those issues and also advocate for support,” Defendiefer said.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).