South Columbus standoff body cam shows man firing at police before surrender

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Columbus, OH - A tense standoff unfolded on Gilbert Street in south Columbus Saturday, highlighting the dangers officers face during domestic violence calls.

Body camera footage captured the dramatic moments as officers responded to a barricade situation involving Nathan Thorne, who had locked himself inside a home and refused to surrender.

Police were initially called to the scene following a 911 report that a woman had been choked by her brother. A subsequent call indicated the woman had been shot. Before officers arrived, family members had already taken the victim to the hospital, where she is expected to recover.

In the body camera video, officers can be heard urging Thorne to show his hands and surrender. "Come on, bud, we need to talk. Make sure your hands are where we can see them," officers said. Police say Thorne then fired shots at the officers, prompting at least one officer to return fire.

Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9, was among the responding officers. "They were holding that stairway with a known violator who's firing at them in there, and waited for SWAT. SWAT came. SWAT was able to peacefully negotiate a surrender, which is always what we want," Steel said.

Steel noted the heightened danger of the situation, as Thorne was out on bond for a previous felony assault charge. "These are desperados like almost he has nothing to lose because theoretically and maybe in another county, he'd be going to prison for a long time," Steel said. "We said it once, we'll say it again. Repeat violent recidivist offenders... there has to be a big sign when you pull into Franklin County that says not wanted."

Thorne eventually surrendered to police and is being held on a $1 million bond. His next court date is set for Tuesday, September 9.