Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs discusses a shooting that left a SWAT officer in critical condition as officers attempted to arrest a suspect on an arson charge, on Sunday, April 10, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. Police said the officer was in a SWAT vehicle approaching the suspect’s apartment early Saturday morning when shots were fired, hitting the officer. (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins) (The Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Authorities are identifying the Ohio police officer they say was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him.
Columbus police on Monday said SWAT Officer Steven M. Smith is a 27-year veteran with the Columbus Division of Police. The police statement says the 54-year-old Smith is in critical condition at a Columbus hospital.
Police have said the suspect refused to surrender after Sunday's shooting. They say several hours passed during which smoke and flames were seen in the man's apartment.
The 44-year-old man gave up after a loud bang was heard inside the apartment. Police say the noise was part of a strategy to end the standoff.
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