Wounded officer speaks at shooter’s sentencing
Columbus Police Officer Patrick Shrodes survived being shot during a drug raid on a Hilltop apartment 10 months ago, but his career did not.
A bullet fired by a man inside the apartment struck Shrodes in the left hip and traveled around to the base of his spine, causing nerve damage that is forcing him to retire. Another bullet struck him in the chest but was stopped by Shrodes’ protective vest.
The gunman, Shawn L. Toney Jr., 23, apologized Friday in a Franklin County courtroom after pleading guilty to the shooting, but he insisted that he had not realized Shrodes was a police officer when he burst through the door.
Shrodes, 49, took exception to that claim in a statement he delivered during the sentencing hearing.
“When we did make entry, loudly and clearly, ‘Police’ was being shouted by myself and other members of the team,” he said. “I was dressed head to toe in police gear, very recognizable. I did look Mr. Toney directly in the face as he pulled the trigger.
“He was aware of who we were.”
Shrodes said that whatever Toney’s intentions were, “he failed, because I’m still here. I do get to go home and see my family.”
Common Pleas Judge Kim Brown sentenced Toney to 20 years in prison, a term recommended by prosecuting and defense attorneys as part of a plea agreement. Toney pleaded guilty to felonious assault on a police officer, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of heroin and two gun specifications.
Shrodes, a 23-year veteran of the force, was part of a narcotics bureau team that was conducting a “no-knock search warrant” at an apartment on South Burgess Avenue just south of West Broad Street on March 15, Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Sacksteder said. The team used non-lethal projectiles and flash-bang diversion devices before forcing the door open. Shrodes was the first team member to enter, and he was met with gunfire.
When Sacksteder told the judge that the team members shouted “Police,” Toney interrupted and said, “No, they didn’t.”
Shrodes returned fire, but Toney was not hit.
Sacksteder said Toney dropped his gun and surrendered to officers after firing the shots. After his arrest, he was found to be carrying cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and another gun.
“I apologize to the officer for everything that happened,” Toney said in court. “It happened so fast. ... I didn’t know who was coming into the place. It wasn’t my place. Once I realized, I did stop. I put up my hands.”
Shrodes said he has experienced “non-stop pain” since the shooting, which damaged nerves that control his left leg.
“It has affected every aspect of my life and my family’s life,” he said. “It has affected any plans I had for retirement. Pretty much my life now consists of doctor’s appointments, different therapy appointments, daily ... It’s something I’m going to have to deal with the rest of my life.”