Anderson fired a lethal shot, causing his death, approximately one second after opening Lewis’ bedroom door. Officers had arrived at Lewis’ residence in the Hilltop neighborhood of the city with the intention of apprehending him for several pending charges, including domestic violence, assault, and the felony offense of mishandling a firearm.
Anderson was put on administrative leave after the shooting.
The attorneys for the family of Lewis Donovan, who called to have Anderson fired, said that his relatives were “outraged” to be allowed to retire to that city.
Cooper Ben and Michael Wright, two lawyers, stated that the city leaders should not forget about our community and Mr. Lewis, as this unfortunate incident was handled very poorly. The family deserves much better, and it is important to acknowledge that this was an unnecessary and completely avoidable tragedy.
According to Columbus Police policy, Brian Steel, an official from the police union, stated on Twitter that the police chief is responsible for deciding whether an officer who retires or resigns while facing criminal charges or an internal investigation that could result in termination or a suspension of over 120 hours will be granted good standing status.
Eventually, one of the two other young men inside the apartment permitted the officers to enter. In the police body camera footage, it is evident that Lewis did not respond to multiple knocks on his door for approximately 10 minutes.
‘No valid reason’: Family demands responsibility after unarmed man fatally shot by Columbus law enforcement.
Anderson, the unleashed K-9, was handling a dog as the person encountered him in the corner where the apartment door can be heard closing.
Anderson called back the K-9 and secured it with a leash, before entering the apartment accompanied by at least two other officers. Anderson cautioned that the dog would be set free. Anderson then proceeded towards the closed bedroom door and leashed the K-9 again.
The video displays Lewis leaning into the open door, striking Anderson’s abdomen with a single shot. As Anderson started to sit up in bed, Lewis pointed his weapon at him with a flashlight and yelled “hands”, while another officer opened the door.
In his left hand, Lewis was holding what Police Chief Elaine Bryant later revealed to be a vape pen.
Who is Ricky Anderson?
Anderson has been employed as a law enforcement officer in Columbus since 1991, as previously stated by The Columbus Dispatch, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Anderson, who later got fired, was involved in theft. He admitted to the theft in 2004, which led to his record being cleared through a diversion program in the Common Pleas Court. The Dispatch reported that Anderson was indicted on charges of theft for stealing money while working in the office, where he was supposed to guard a bank.
The city should have given him a 30-day suspension instead of terminating him, according to a federal arbitrator who reinstated Anderson in November 2004.
The Dispatch reported that the city had “excessively disciplined an error made by what would otherwise be regarded as an exceptional officer,” according to the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9.