Columbus, OH — Columbus police have identified 18-year-old TaShawn Davis as the man shot and killed by an officer on October 12 while responding to an armed robbery in the University District.
Davis was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in critical condition after the incident, but he died at the hospital. Authorities have not yet identified the officer involved in the shooting, citing Marsy’s Law, which includes police as victims in crimes and protects their identities. However, it has been confirmed that the officer is a sergeant with 14 years of experience at the Columbus Police Division.
Third Fatal Police Shooting in 2025
This marks the third fatal police shooting involving Columbus police in 2025, and the fifth incident in which the police have shot and injured someone this year. According to police records and The Dispatch archives, the case is also the second fatal shooting involving a police officer in Franklin County in less than a week.
On October 8, Grove City police shot and killed an armed man after a standoff and foot pursuit, during which the man shot at officers and wounded one of them.
Police Respond to Robbery Report
According to Columbus police, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at approximately 3:30 a.m. on October 12. Two individuals flagged down an officer, claiming that a man had pointed a gun at them near North High Street and 9th Avenue.
The officer soon saw Davis, who then fled the scene on foot. The officer chased Davis, and, according to the police report, shot him.
“The officer shot him after the pursuit,” said Sgt. James Fuqua of the Columbus Police Department.
Davis was later rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was declared dead after efforts to stabilize him.
Discrepancies Over Whether Gun Was Brandished
There has been some confusion over whether Davis brandished a gun during the chase.
Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, stated that Davis “brandished” a gun while running from the officers. However, Sgt. Fuqua stated that it was not clear whether Davis had displayed a gun during the encounter.
“It’s unclear whether the man displayed a gun,” Fuqua told The Dispatch on October 12.
Despite the differing accounts, Sgt. Joe Albert of Columbus police did not respond to questions on October 13 that sought further clarification about the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Investigation Underway
As per standard city policy for officer-involved shootings, the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the fatal shooting.
Glenn McEntyre, assistant director of the city’s Department of Public Safety, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that the release of information was delayed due to the October 13 holiday.
“We’re following normal procedures for reviewing and releasing information about the shooting,” McEntyre said.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation will determine whether the officer’s actions were justified.
Community Reactions
The incident has prompted concern from the public about police use of force and the accountability of officers involved in fatal shootings. Columbus officials have pledged transparency in the ongoing investigation.
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