Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Columbus Airport Briefly Closes Departures Level, Causes Minimal Disruptions

One confirmed dead in confrontation with police at the ticketing level of Port Columbus International Airport.

 One person is confirmed dead after what is being described as a confrontation with police at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). CBS affiliate WBNS-TV reports that the unnamed individual was shot by police after attempting to purchase a Southwest Airlines ticket using fake identification.

The incident began around 1 p.m. ET. According to WBNS, a male suspect attempted to purchase the airline ticket with a woman’s identification. He was turned away by Southwest ticket agents and Port Columbus Police were called to the scene. Three police officers followed the man outside to his car, which was parked in the departures drop-off area and described as suspicious.

WBNS reports that during the confrontation, the man lunged at officers with a knife. The officers responded with lethal force, shooting and killing the man outside of the terminal.

Following the shooting, the north ticket lobby that houses Delta Air Lines was temporarily closed. The road leading to the airport departures level was closed indefinitely. Despite the closures, the impact on flights at CMH was minimal, as airport officials kept air traffic running through the arrivals section on the lower level of the airport. As of 6:45 p.m. ET, only two flights remained cancelled and six delayed.

The Columbus Police Bomb Squad responded to the suspect’s vehicle on the report of suspicious canisters found inside. The vehicle has since been towed to the Port Columbus Police facility, where the canisters inside will be tested. The Columbus Police Department will continue to lead the investigation.

“We are working closely with the Columbus Police Department and their Critical Response Team,” David Whitaker, vice president of business development and communications of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, stated during at a press conference. “They will be working with us during this investigation.”

Police have not yet identified the man involved in the incident, pending next of kin notification. In addition, no motive has yet been identified.

[Photo: WBNS]