Columbus Police Arrest Felon with Stolen Firearm Following Response to Gunfire Report

In an incident on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Columbus Police Officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire in the 2800 block of 8th Street. While patrolling the area, officers were flagged down by an employee of a nearby business, who informed them of the shooting. Acting promptly, officers proceeded north to Baldwin Street for further investigation.

During their patrol, officers encountered a car parked illegally on the wrong side of the road. As they approached the vehicle, it abruptly sped away, prompting officers to conduct a traffic stop. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the driver, identified as Willie Barnes, was a convicted felon. Further scrutiny led to the discovery of a firearm in his possession, which had been reported stolen in Pennsylvania.

As a result of the encounter, Barnes faces charges including Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property from Another State. Notably, this incident did not reach police dispatch, but due to the proactive presence of officers in the vicinity, they were able to respond.