US Police Detain Shooter in Columbus, Ohio, After SWAT Deploys Gas to Barricaded Suspect

Police officers in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday responded to reports of multiple shots fired in the western area of the city. The incident prompted a lock down of several schools in the area. A SWAT team stormed a nearby house where a suspect had barricaded himself.

According to the Columbus Ohio police department, the suspect made some 20 shots, many of those at police officers after they arrived.

“Officers did not return fire [...] They did a great job of containing the area, getting the place under control, and making sure all the residents in the area were safe”, Columbus police commander Blake Griffith said, cited by NBC4.

According to Griffith, the suspect was identified as a man between 50 and 60 years old. Police have not revealed the full identity of the shooter.

During the storming of the suspect's house, the SWAT team used gas.

*Acting Commander Lt. Blake Griffith https://t.co/PBfVLCFfY5

— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) December 16, 2019

​The Columbus Ohio police department earlier said that at least two schools - Lindbergh Elementary School and Briggs High School - were on lockdown due to the shooting. A third school, Hilltonia Middle School, was reportedly operating under a delayed dismissal and lockdown.

According to police, an assault unit responded to the scene, prompting mass evacuations in the area.

2ND UPDATE 12/16/19 3:20pm:

CPD’s Assault Unit responding.

Evacuations are occurring at nearby homes. @COTABus assisting.

Suspect remains inside home.

Hostage negotiators working for a peaceful surrender.

Unclear how many people are inside home. https://t.co/xV883tXL3U pic.twitter.com/S13IwLaoIR

— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) December 16, 2019

​The Columbus police department said earlier that an unidentified male suspect had fired multiple shots near Apple Blossom Lane, off Eakin Road and urged all to avoid the area.

HAPPENING NOW 12/16/19 2:25pm:

Shots fired near Apple Blossom Lane off Eakin Rd. (West Columbus)

Male firing multiple shots.

Patrol officers, SWAT and hostage negotiators on scene.

STAY OUT OF THE AREA.

*We'll share more details as they become available. pic.twitter.com/tezfNmIERI

— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) December 16, 2019

According to NBC4, local residents were allowed back to their homes at approximately 6:50 p.m., local time.