CPD SWAT officer remains in critical condition; standoff suspect identified

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — A Columbus Police Department officer has been shot during a SWAT situation on North High Street near California Avenue.

The SWAT team was called at about 11:30pm Saturday night to serve a felony arson warrant to 44-year-old Lincoln Rutledge who then barricaded himself in. Police say Rutledge refused to come outside and shot an officer that was positioned inside a SWAT vehicle.

According to court documents, Rutledge was a suspect in an arson fire that happened yesterday on Fairlawn Drive.

According to Columbus Division of Police Chief Kim Jacobs, the officer is in very critical condition at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

“We need everyone to pray for him and his family,” said Jacobs of the officer who has been on the force for many years. The identity of the officer has not been released until family can be completely notified.

Rutledge, was taken into custody around 7:30am. That suspect was also taken to a local hospital in unknown condition, but Jacobs said Rutledge’s injuries don’t appear to be serious.

“This points out the dangers of what we do,” Jacobs said.

At one point during the standoff, a fire started in the apartment complex, but officers aren’t sure what caused the fire.

High Street remains blocked at Weber Road. Police say the building where the standoff took place is unstable and police and fire are unable to enter to investigate.

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