COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Body camera footage shows the officers’ perspective during a tense hostage situation that ended with the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Jerry Smith by SWAT officers on Monday night.
The incident occurred on Hampton Woods Court after a neighbor called 911, reporting she had heard a woman being assaulted and threatened.
The footage reveals officers arriving just before 10 p.m. and attempting to negotiate with Smith for over an hour.
“Come outside if you’re able to,” officers can be heard saying, urging Smith to cooperate. Moments later, officers observed that Smith was armed, prompting them to retreat and call in SWAT.
As the situation escalated, officers reported hearing multiple shots fired from inside the house.
“Another shot, another shot,” one officer said, noting that one of the shots was directed at them. Closer to midnight, Smith reportedly opened the door with a gun in his hand and a female hostage. SWAT officers then opened fire, resulting in Smith’s death.
The female was treated at a local hospital. A neighbor provided information to officers, describing loud banging and threats from Smith, including “you gonna die tonight.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate.
