Columbus Police Release Body Cam Footage of Officer-Involved Shooting

Toledo, OHIO – Columbus Police released body camera footage Thursday capturing the moment a SWAT officer shot Darnell Jones, a man wanted in connection with the murder of 13-year-old Kei’Mani Latigue. The video, which shows footage from two separate officers’ cameras, reveals the tense and dramatic encounter that took place on Tuesday morning.

Jones, also known as Darnell Ogletree, was under investigation for the abduction and murder of his daughter in Toledo, Ohio. Toledo Police had issued a statewide alert for Jones, and Columbus Police were aware of his presence in their area, placing him under surveillance.

The footage begins with an officer approaching Jones, who is standing near a vehicle. The officer demands that Jones show his hands and, after a brief exchange, draws his weapon. Jones responds by saying, “Kill me, just kill me,” and threatens to pull a gun on himself. As Jones pulls his hand out of his pocket, the officer opens fire, striking him. Police later recovered a firearm from Jones, along with a walkie-talkie. The purpose of the walkie-talkie remains unclear, and authorities have not disclosed who Jones may have been attempting to contact.

Following the shooting, officers immediately checked Jones for injuries. Police reports indicate that he was struck in the arm, leg, and side of his chest. Despite his injuries, Jones made several statements suggesting he no longer wished to live. “It is,” he replied when an officer attempted to console him, stating that “nothing’s ever that bad.”

As Jones was being transported to the hospital, he reportedly asked medics why they couldn’t simply shoot him in the head, to which an officer responded, “We’re not trying to hurt you.”

Jones is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. He faces multiple charges, including Felonious Assault on a Peace Officer, following the shooting incident. His arraignment has been delayed as he remains in the hospital under medical care.

The release of the body cam footage has sparked a conversation about the use of force, mental health concerns, and the difficult decisions faced by law enforcement officers during high–stress encounters. While the footage has been met with public scrutiny, it also highlights the complexities officers face when responding to potentially dangerous situations involving individuals in crisis.