COLUMBUS, Ohio — Multiple SWAT officers were stabbed and a suspect was fatally shot during a SWAT standoff in west Columbus Thursday night.
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police were called to the 800 block of Cherryberry Drive around 4:25 p.m. on a report of domestic violence, according to a police spokesperson. The initial response led to an hourslong barricade situation, but additional details were not provided.
During the standoff, Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said multiple officers were stabbed and at least one SWAT officer fired shots at the suspect, killing them. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 President Brian Steel previously told 10TV that two officers were shot, but later said three officers were stabbed.
The suspect was pronounced dead at 9:45 p.m.
On Friday, the Franklin County Coroner's Office identified the suspect as 40-year-old Benjamin Wheeler.
The officers were taken to Grant Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. Steel said all but one officer was sent home from the hospital.
Details on what led up to the stabbing and shooting were not immediately released.
Steel said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will investigate this incident.
Steel said entering a house in a situation like this is a last course of action.
“They are gonna try to bring in negotiators, they are gonna try to make announcements, they are gonna use time on their side. An officer was feloniously assaulted and stabbed and it was an hour or two later that they made entry so they are very trained, very patient but at the end of the day police have to do what police have to do and that is bring a suspect to justice,” Steel said.
Columbus police said each of the officers have served the department for at least 20 years.
One officer remained in the hospital on Friday but hoped to go home that afternoon.
“All three of them are members of the SWAT team. They are all FOP members, all are not only long time police officers, all three are personal friends and all three were mentors to me when I came on so when you go to the hospital and see your brothers there, it is very personal,” Steel said.
Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti issued a statement on Thursday's incident.
“Our officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe. Last night was a reminder of the dangers they face simply doing their jobs. I am grateful beyond words to share that all three of our injured officers are expected to recover. Please join me in praying for them and their families, and condemning violence against our brave peacekeepers.”
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