Franklin County Grand Jury Votes Not to Indict Columbus Police Officer for Discharging Weapon During a Traffic Stop

Posted on 8/14/2023

Defendant: Joshua Ohlinger

A Franklin County Grand Jury today voted not to indict Columbus Police Officer Joshua Ohlinger for shooting an individual involved in a traffic stop.

On Aug. 27, 2022, Officers Ohlinger and Jared Truxall initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle containing Najaa Ellman and Deonte Jones. Once the vehicle stopped, Ellman and Jones both rapidly exited. Officers Ohlinger and Truxall stated that Ellman and Jones each had a firearm, and Ellman appeared to be aiming his gun at them.

Officer Ohlinger fired his gun four times, striking Jones once. Jones was taken to Grant Hospital for treatment and survived his injury. Firearms were recovered from both individuals.

The grand jury determines if a crime has been committed and whether there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime.