Police seek help in identifying Polaris shooters
Columbus police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the two suspects who exchanged gunfire Wednesday on the first floor of Polaris Fashion Place. Police had initially said they knew who the suspects were, but declined to publicly identify them or make any arrests. Instead, they urged the men to turn themselves in.
But late Thursday night, the Columbus of Division of Police posted four photos of the two male suspects on its Twitter page, urging those with information about either of their identities to come forward. Police said the shooting — which forced the evacuation and closure of the mall — involved two young men who were involved in a domestic dispute.
The two men were inside the Carter’s Oshkosh B’gosh children’s clothing store when the shooting began around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police said one of the men fired at the other inside the store. The second man then followed the initial shooter out into the first floor of the mall and returned fire.
One firearm was later recovered at the mall under a parked vehicle after a witness provided police with information about the firearm being placed there. No one was injured in the shooting, and the mall reopened Thursday morning with an increased police presence at the request of the mall’s management, said Sgt. James Fuqua, a Columbus Division of Police spokesman. The request was to provide reassurance to employees and shoppers. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-461-TIPS, or detective Adam Federer at 614-645-4011, afederer@columbuspolice.org. elagatta@dispatch.com @Ericlagatta