Benjamin Wheeler, 40, Identified as Man Killed in Standoff with Columbus SWAT Officers, Three Officers Injured.
On Friday, the Franklin County coroner’s office identified Benjamin Wheeler, 40, as the man suspected of injuring three Columbus SWAT officers during a standoff on the west side of Columbus, Ohio, Thursday night. Wheeler was eventually shot and killed during the incident.
According to Brian Steel, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge 9, all three injured officers are now out of the hospital. “Officers are killed in the country all the time over stabbing. It’s lucky that these officers weren’t killed last night,” Steel remarked. He also mentioned that the officers are in good spirits, and the division is rallying around them during this difficult time.
The Columbus Division of Police has released limited information regarding how the situation escalated. Court records indicate that Wheeler had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to provide child support. The incident began with a domestic violence call around 4:30 PM on Thursday afternoon on Cherryberry Drive. SWAT officers were stationed outside the home for hours, attempting to get Wheeler to surrender peacefully.
Steel provided some details about the violent confrontation, noting that one SWAT officer was stabbed initially, followed by a period of time before two more officers were stabbed. The situation escalated further when the officers decided to make full entry into the home, resulting in one officer returning fire and fatally shooting Wheeler. “They do these entries, these barricades, hundreds of them a year. 99.9% of the time, they peacefully bring the person out and they don’t have to even lay hands on them. But unfortunately, in this situation, the individual attacked them, assaulted them, and one of the officers was forced to return fire,” Steel explained.
Due to Marsy’s law, the Columbus Division of Police has not released the names of the officers involved in the incident. They did confirm that each of the officers has at least 20 years of experience serving the community. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the incident to determine the exact sequence of events and ensure a thorough examination of the case.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable nature of their duties. The community and fellow officers are grateful for the safety of the injured officers and continue to support them as they recover.
Benjamin Wheeler’s actions have left a trail of devastation, and his passing serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and resolving conflicts peacefully. His legacy will be one of tragedy, and his actions will have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
As news of the incident spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and community members, who remembered the officers for their bravery, dedication, and selflessness. Their impact on the lives of countless individuals will never be forgotten, and their memory will be cherished for generations to come.
In conclusion, Benjamin Wheeler, a 40-year-old man, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and devastation. His actions have left a lasting impact on the lives of those affected, and his memory will serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and resolving conflicts peacefully.
The family and friends of Benjamin Wheeler are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the love and support that surrounds them, and may Wheeler’s memory continue to be a source of strength and inspiration.
