She said it was hard to explain why the suspect made a decision to open fire, but emphasized it’s a risky time for police right now.
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Multiple media reports say a suspect was taken from the house about 7:30 a.m. He’s been charged with attempted murder for the shooting of the police officer.
Columbus Division of Police Chief Kim Jacobs said that the officer had been shot and was in critical condition. Police said the officer was in a SWAT vehicle approaching the suspect’s apartment early Saturday morning when shots were fired, hitting the officer.
Rutledge was arrested for felony arson.
They say one person is in custody following the Sunday shooting at an apartment complex in Reynoldsburg. Flames were later seen coming from the apartment he was in. He was treated at a separate hospital for smoke inhalation and an apparent gunshot wound.
Columbus police say events leading to the crash began when Franklin County sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over for a traffic offense.
The police chief is now asking the city for prayers for the officer.
“We need everyone to pray for him and his family”, said Jacobs of the officer who has been on the force for many years.
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The court records for Rutledge’s arson charge did not list an attorney able to comment on that charge or Sunday’s arrest. Firefighters were hindered fighting the fires because of the standoff. After a long time during the stand off, the SWAT team determined there was no movement inside the apartment.
