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Man Charged With Wounding Columbus Cop In 1972 Won't Go On Trial

Associated Press

Prosecutors have decided not to try an 82-year-old man in the shooting of a Columbus police officer 45 years ago. Officer Niki Cooper was wounded in March 1972 when he and his partner interrupted a burglary on the southeast side. Charles Hays was indicted, but never prosecuted, as the case fell through the cracks. A Franklin County judge dismissed the case earlier this year, saying Ohio had at least two opportunities over the past four decades to bring Hays back for trial. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says he decided against an appeal after reviewing the likelihood of success and because of concerns about a higher court precedent regarding speedy trial rights.

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