Columbus Police Shoot, Kill Armed Man at Moose Lodge

A man died after being shot by Columbus police on Tuesday night at the Moose Lodge 1427, located on Schrock Road in north Columbus. No officers were injured during the incident.

Initial Response and Confrontation

According to Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua of the Public Information Unit, officers responded to a call at the Moose Lodge after 10:00 p.m. regarding an “irate” man who had entered the private club carrying a firearm. The man reportedly bypassed the doorman and demanded a drink at the bar.

Dan “Boots” Longenette, a Trustee at the Moose Lodge, explained that the man was not a member. “He hit the buzzer and no one recognized him,” Longenette said. “Our door guy said, ‘Can I help you?’ He said, he wanted a drink. He forced his way in. Since he’s not a member, we asked him to leave.”

Fear for Safety

Lodge staff reported seeking shelter in the kitchen, fearing for their lives due to the man’s erratic behavior. Patrons told ABC 6 that the man had pointed a gun at both his own head and the head of another member.

Shooting and Aftermath

Upon arrival, officers repeatedly ordered the man to drop his weapon, but he refused. Multiple officers then discharged their firearms, striking the man. He was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

On Wednesday, crews were observed boarding up front window panels at the Moose Lodge, which had been struck by multiple bullets. Police confirmed they received unconfirmed reports of shots fired prior to their arrival.

Investigation and Body Camera Footage

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has been called to investigate the use of force, standard procedure in Columbus officer-involved shootings. Columbus Police Department (CPD) stated they will release body-cam video and 911 calls related to the incident at a later date.

Statements from Officials

Sgt. Fuqua emphasized the difficult nature of such situations. “No officer comes to work wanting to cause deadly harm to someone,” he said. “We are sworn to protect people and take that oath very serious. These officers showed up, and they protected people as they’re paid to do.”

Brian Steel, President of FOP Lodge 9, spoke with the media after speaking with the officers, describing them as being in good spirits. He stated that officers rarely discharge their weapons in the line of duty and placed the responsibility for the incident on the armed man. “You’re gonna pull out a gun, you’re going to have a gun out in front of officers, the officers are going to return fire,” Steel said.

Lodge Security and Gratitude

Moose Lodge staff highlighted the security measures in place at the lodge, noting that they had never experienced a similar incident since opening in 2001. “We have over 2,000 members and we’ve never had an armed robbery,” Longenette said. “We’ve never had fights. We never dreamed this would happen. We’re a big happy family.”

Longenette expressed gratitude to the Columbus Police. “Our police stepped up to the plate,” he said. “They were here a minutes and saved lives. I can’t thank the Columbus Police enough for a great job they did.”