Feds arrest man who helped Dayton shooter

DAYTON, Ohio — Federal authorities have arrested a man who acknowledged purchasing body armor, AR-15 parts and a 100-round double drum magazine for the Dayton shooter.

Ethan Kollie, 24, of Kettering, was arrested Friday night in Beavercreek on suspicion of a firearms violation unrelated to the Oregon District shooting, according to Montgomery County Jail records and an unsealed complaint signed by a federal agent.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman held a news conference Monday to discuss the complaint.

Kollie told federal authorities he purchased the items for shooter Connor Betts, then hid them in his apartment to assist Betts in hiding them from his parents, the complaint says.

Kollie said that about 10 weeks ago, he helped Betts assemble the AR-15 used in the Oregon district shooting, the complaint says. The drum magazine arrived about six to eight weeks ago.

Glassman said Kollie was charged with possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of any controlled substance and making false statements or representations. He faces up to 15 years in prison, Glassman said.

Glassman added there’s no indication Kollie knew he was assisting Betts in the Oregon District shooting.

Betts opened fire in the Oregon District, resulting in the deaths of nine people on Aug. 4 before police shot and killed him. He injured dozens, either through gunfire or in the ensuing chaos near Ned Peppers bar.

Betts wielded a semi-automatic pistol that police say was modified to act like a rifle, with an attached drum magazine that could hold up to 100 .223-caliber rounds.