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

Posted on 10/9/2023

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. It is the role of the grand jury to determine if a crime has been committed and whether there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime.

On February 5, Officers Ohlinger and Jared Truxall initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle containing Michael Cleveland. Once the vehicle stopped, Cleveland rapidly exited the vehicle. Officer Ohlinger provided a statement that Cleveland drew a firearm from his waistband as he fled.

Officer Ohlinger fired his gun six times, striking Cleveland three times in the torso. Cleveland was taken to the hospital for treatment and survived his injuries. A firearm was recovered from Cleveland.