A man was fatally shot by a police officer outside of Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital in Ohio after he pulled out a realistic BB gun April 6.
Christopher L. Wade, 39, died from his injuries shortly after being shot by Columbus police officer Nathan Komisarek. The shooting continues to be investigated by the Westerville Police Department.
The incident began just before 1 p.m. when medics responded to a report of a man acting erratically outside of his home. The person who reported the behavior told the 911 operator that the man had been on medication and owned guns.
Westerville medics responded to the scene and requested Columbus police follow them as they transport Wade to St. Ann’s Hospital.
When the ambulance stopped outside of the hospital, Wade reportedly walked out of the back of the vehicle with a garbage bag. Wade then pulled what appeared to be a loaded handgun out of the bag and ignored police orders to drop the weapon.
Wade was shot and transported to the hospital’s ER, where he was pronounced dead. Officers learned later that Wade had been holding a realistic looking BB gun.
The hospital was locked down until 4 p.m. as additional officers arrived at the scene. The hospital released a statement saying no patients or employees were in any danger during the incident.
Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Steve Martin told wkbn.com that he was unsure about responders’ rights to search patients during medical transport. He said Columbus agencies will consider changing or clarifying their policies as a result of the incident.
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