Man shot dead in northeast Columbus after attempting to confront alleged car thief

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man is dead after reportedly attempting to thwart a car thief early Wednesday morning in northeast Columbus.

According to Sgt. Joe Albert of the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Hyde Park Townhomes, near Jester Lane and Princess Place, and found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound at around 12:15 a.m.

Police gave the victim medical attention until medics were able to transfer him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:55 a.m.

Several witnesses at the scene told CPD that they believed the victim had confronted an alleged car thief attempting to break into vehicles parked at the apartment complex. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are hoping to find video surveillance from the area to get a better description of the vehicle the suspect fled in.

Police ask that anyone with information to call the Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.