Hours after an administrative hearing, the Columbus Public Safety Director has ordered a police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man last week be fired.
In a statement released Monday evening, Director Ned Pettus called the shooting of 47-year old Andre Hill "a tragedy for all who loved him, in addition to the community and our division of Police." Administrative charges filed last week cited "unreasonable use of force", Coy's failure to turn on his body camera, and failure to provide any aid to Hill. Pettus says Coy and other officers on the scene will continue to be investigated.
In his own statement Columbus Police Chief Tom Quinlan, who had recommended Coy be fired, said "this is what accountability looks like."
In a preliminary report the Franklin County Coroner ruled the death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. A full report is expected to take 12 to 14 weeks.
The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation is involved in the shooting, and there may be federal charges forthcoming. Safety Director Pettus says the use of body cameras and the responsibility of officers to provide aid will be under review.
The Franklin County Coroner's office on Monday ruled Hill's death a homicide.
