More than two weeks after a shooting at Sim Scott Park left four people injured, Columbus police are still no closer to making an arrest.
Capt. Brent Swan said the March 20 shooting involved “two groups of people that opened fire at each other.” The four victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle. Swan told The Dispatch on Friday that at least three had been released.
Though investigators have interviewed all four victims, as well as witnesses, Swan said the information authorities obtained has not been enough to arrest a suspect.
“We’re doing a thorough investigation, and this is high on our priority list,” Swan said. “But we want to get enough information that we feel confident we are arresting the right person. As of right now, we have not.”
The shooting did rouse city leaders, including the police department, to action they hope will prevent crime in the future. Columbus police have opened a substation at Sim Scott Park, and the department plans to open others across the city. Chief Tony Carleton has also unveiled a four-officer task force that will patrol high crime areas in Columbus on foot, including neighborhoods around Sim Scott Park.
City leaders are also using town hall meetings in high-crime areas to try and build rapport with citizens. More than 100 residents attended the first meeting March 30 at Sim Scott Park Community Center.
Others are scheduled for Monday at East Columbus Gymnasium and April 13 at Townsend Community Center. Both will begin at 6 p.m.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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