Authorities say the multi-jurisdictional task force deployed to address the reckless operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Columbus and Franklin County made 11 arrests, impounded 11 vehicles, and recovered five guns last weekend.
In one instance Friday, investigators say an individual fleeing Columbus police grabbed and fought with a nearby Whitehall officer. After the officer used a taser, a gun fell out of the suspect's waistband. Officials later learned that the individual was a 14-year-old. There were no injuries, and the end result was the best possible outcome according to Whitehall Police Deputy Chief Dan Kelso.
"Had that gun come out earlier and had he been able to grab that gun during the struggle, we might have had another juvenile shot, which is the absolute last thing that any police officer in Franklin County wants," Deputy Chief Kelso continued. "We're trying to end these situations before anything like that can happen. We took five guns off these individuals that night, and those are the ones we caught. How many other guns were out there, and what are they going to do with those guns when they do get away. So who knows how many homicides were saved by just those five guns."
Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying others involved in last weekend's activity.
