Columbus police: 9 arrests made after ‘disruptive and dangerous’ July 4 behavior
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An incident on Independence Day involving people interfering with Columbus Police Department officers after detaining two juveniles downtown led to multiple other arrests, CPD announced Monday.
Columbus police said around 11 p.m. officers observed multiple fireworks being discharged at people dining at a restaurant on Broadway in downtown Columbus. Police detained two juveniles, ages 14 and 15, who were found in possession of backpacks containing fireworks.
Police said an adult woman interfered with the officers while they were detaining the two juveniles. The woman physically resisted arrest and was detained without injury, according to police.
During the incident, two other people began to film the officers, according to police.
“Due to the presence of minors and officer safety concerns, they were instructed to keep a safe distance,” the news release says.
Police said both people refused to comply and were taken into custody.
Several parents and relatives of the juveniles arrived shortly after this and were informed the juveniles would be released to their custody, according to police. Multiple people attempted to physically remove the adult woman from police custody after officers explained she would be taken to jail, police said.
“Several refused lawful commands and obstructed officers, resulting in additional arrests,” the news release says.
Two other people were taken into custody after grabbing officers and attempting to interfere with active arrests, police said.
During the incident, discharged fireworks caused a fire next to a downtown building, which was quickly extinguished, according to police.
Seven adults face charges, including disorderly conduct and misdemeanor and felony obstruction, according to police. The two juveniles are charged with reckless conduct and obstruction.
Officers had responded earlier that evening to reports of teenagers recklessly discharging fireworks near large crowds gathered for the city’s fireworks display, according to police.
Police said officers also responded to reports of gunfire in the Bay Avenue area where a vehicle sustained damage.
“Later, the group of teens moved toward the Broadway area, continuing disruptive and dangerous behavior near restaurants and businesses,” the news release says.
“The Columbus Police Department wants to make it clear that our primary goal on holidays such as the 4th of July is to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone,” the news release says. “In this incident, the standard procedure for releasing juveniles to a guardian was in progress until adult interference escalated the situation.”
Police said the incident remains under investigation and are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. S. Hayes at 706-225-4268 or shayes@columbusga.org.