COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Division of Police released body camera video from a shooting involving officers near Canal Winchester on Thursday morning.
This incident began at 4 a.m. at George’s Creek apartments on Georges Creek Drive. Police said someone called 911 and told the operator that their uncle had a gun and was threatening to kill himself and everyone else in the home.
The bodycam video shows police approaching the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Rafael Warfield, outside an apartment building. The officers yell to Warfield to come out with his hands up.
Warfield yells something back at the officers, and then gunfire from the suspect can be heard. An officer fires back.
Police said Warfield died on the scene. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the case.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said officers had to respond to the call right away, but the officers did call for the Right Response Unit, which includes a social worker triaging a call to determine the best response. Bryant said the Right Response Unit was unavailable at the time of the 911 call.
According to the Columbus police website, the unit is only available until midnight.
“In a situation like this where this is a gun and someone actively, aggressively possibly causing harm to themselves or others, officers have to respond accordingly," Bryant said. "There was no history of mental illness we are aware of at the time."
Bryant said there were a total of four officers involved, though only one fired their weapon. All four officers are on administrative leave until their examinations are complete.
No officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.