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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Franklin County grand jury voted not to indict a Columbus police officer who shot and killed a man after a five-mile-long chase throughout the city.
The police chase occurred on Aug. 24, 2023, when Jamie Overstreet evaded officers searching for him near Lockbourne Road and Obetz Road. According to a “special situation” request, police believed Overstreet was armed and dangerous.
Overstreet, who had several warrants for his arrest for violating a protection order, fled north for approximately five miles before exiting his vehicle on Marion Drive North.
Columbus police body camera footage began about 50 seconds before the officer exited the cruiser, while an officer on the radio was heard saying that Overstreet is “running toward” officers. The footage showed Overstreet running away from multiple officers, while officers shouted at him to “freeze” and “stop.” As he continued running away, an officer yelled that Overstreet had a gun.
One officer fired five shots at Overstreet, striking him at least once. Something reportedly fell from Overstreet after he was shot, which police said was a gun.
After he collapsed, at least four officers surrounded Overstreet with guns drawn, shouting at him to show his hands. Overstreet, laying on his stomach, spread his hands out in front of him. Officers then handcuffed him and rendered aid.
Emergency crews took Overstreet to Grant Medical Center. He was originally listed in critical condition but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at 11:42 p.m.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation processed the scene and recovered a gun.
The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said that a grand jury only decides whether or not a crime has been committed and, in this case, it also looked at whether any degree of unlawful criminal homicide occurred.
