COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man was found dead near a dumpster Monday morning north of Downtown Columbus.
Columbus police said a body was discovered near the 1000 block of North 4th Street in Italian Village. CPD responded to the call at 4:17 a.m. and found the man’s body lying next to a dumpster. The victim reportedly had a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:27 a.m.
According to a surveillance video released by Columbus police, a man, who police identified as the victim, walks back to the dumpsters before being joined by a second man at approximately 2:24 a.m. Monday. The two men then begin fighting. A third man and a woman run to the scene, with the third man reaching into his front pocket. The four people disappear into the dumpster area before the second and third man and the woman run from the scene.
Police are asking anyone with video from the scene to upload it by clicking here. Police are asking businesses in the area to check and submit any photos or videos that may show the suspects either before or after the shooting.
The surveillance video, which includes still images of the people of interest, can be watched in the video player above.
Police blocked off a parking lot where the dumpster is located, which is behind several businesses, such as LIT Life + Yoga, Drunch Eatery + Bar, Vinci Nail Lounge, and Royal Rhino Club Barbershop and Lounge. The businesses themselves will not be affected by the investigation since a front parking lot is available for customers.
The shooting was being investigated when people began showing up for work at the center, saying it was a scary start to a Monday morning.
“When I pulled around the corner, our parking lot was completely blocked off with yellow police tape, saw several police officers and detectives in the parking lot,” said Jodi Fitzpatrick, the office manager for 4th Street Dental Studio. “So I pulled around front and then I saw more detectives checking the trash that was on the floor or on the ground.”
“You hear about all the shootings down in, like, Short North and stuff, and like now that it’s like coming, like, I don’t know,” said Brianna Carrion, who works at the Royal Rhino Club Barbershop. “It’s just becoming so prevalent and just, it’s terrifying. Like, I’ve been here five years and this is wild.”
Police have not released the victim’s identity pending notification of his next of kin.