Grand Jury Votes Not to Indict Police Officer in the 2021 Shooting Death of Kyle Veyon

Posted on 12/5/2022

Defendant:

A Franklin County grand jury today voted not to indict Columbus police officer Andrew Hawkins in the 2021 shooting incident that left Kyle Veyon dead. As a result, thecriminal investigation into the incident has concluded.

On Sep. 29, 2021, Columbus police officers Hawkins and Steven Balmert responded to an open-line disturbance call in the area of 2469 Kimberly Parkway. Officers approached a female identified as Felicia Marshall in two police-marked patrol cars. A male, later identified as Veyon, approached Ms. Marshall and the two patrol cars. As Officer Hawkins exited his car, Veyon came toward him with a large kitchen knife in his right hand, prompting Officer Hawkins to draw his firearm. Veyon then began chasing Ms. Marshall as she yelled, “Get him, get him.”

Officers Hawkins and Balmert pursued Veyon. Officer Balmert deployed his Taser at Veyon, but it was ineffective. Veyon then turned his attention away from Ms. Marshall and focused on Officer Hawkins. Veyon moved in Officer Hawkins' direction, still armed with the knife. At that point, Veyon could be heard yelling, "Kill me," multiple times. At the same time, Officer Hawkins could be heard saying either "stop" or "drop it."

As Veyon continued toward Officer Hawkins, Officer Hawkins fired three shots from his drawn firearm, striking Veyon. Officer Balmert, Officer Hawkins and another officer who arrived on the scene each rendered aid to Veyon until other CPD units and EMS personnel arrived. Veyon was transported to Grant Medical Center where he died of his injuries.

A grand jury only inquires into whether or not a crime has been committed and, in this incident, whether any degree of unlawful criminal homicide occurred.