Two Teens Face Charges in Shooting Near City Pool Amid Youth Violence Crisis
Two teenagers are now facing charges in juvenile court after a shooting incident near a Columbus recreation center ended with one of them being shot by police.
The gunfire broke out Tuesday evening near the Barack Community Center, just outside Lincoln Park Pool, where families were enjoying a warm summer day.
Larry Stewart and his 9-year-old daughter, Isabella, were swimming when the shots rang out. “We were in the pool and suddenly we heard, ‘Pow, pow, pow,’” Stewart said. “Everybody jumped up and started running.”
According to Columbus police, who were working special duty at the pool, officers responded immediately to gunfire in the community center parking lot. There, they encountered a 16-year-old boy who was reportedly armed.
Officers said the teen ignored commands and was crouched behind a parked car. An officer fired, striking the teen. A firearm was recovered near him. He is currently recovering in the hospital and faces several charges.
Another teen, a 15-year-old boy, appeared in Franklin County Juvenile Court on Thursday. He is accused of running from officers and tossing a stolen, loaded handgun over a fence near the pool.
The teen, who already has a previous weapons offense, is now facing multiple charges, including carrying a concealed weapon and tampering with evidence. His attorney denied the charges, but the magistrate ordered the teen to remain in custody at the county’s Intervention Center until his next hearing.
The shooting comes at a time when the city of Columbus is investing a record $28 million into summer programs designed to keep young people away from violence. Despite this, some residents feel more needs to be done.
“We need to do more,” said Larry Stewart. “Whether it’s resources or programs, we need to do more to get children off the street.”
Mayor Andrew Ginther addressed the incident, calling for stronger collaboration with juvenile courts and greater parental accountability. “We need to hold parents accountable. We need to hold children accountable,” he said.
“Yes, we are putting up a record number of resources into summer programming and summer camps, and pools. But parents, we need you to monitor your children, check their social media, their rooms, and their belongings. Impose curfews in your homes. We need everybody to step up.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Despite the frightening experience, Stewart and his daughter say they’re not letting it keep them away from their community center. “They should really stop, because it’s violence,” Isabella said, her words carrying the kind of clarity only a child can offer.
