Nighttime Gunfire Near Linden Substation Sends Officers to Safety At approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, three Columbus police officers were in the parking lot of the Linden Division of Police substation when multiple rounds rang out, narrowly missing them [1][2]. Body‑camera and surveillance footage captured a silver sedan driving past Bonham and Cleveland avenues before discharging the shots [1][2]. The gunfire struck the ground close to the officers, prompting an immediate dispatch call and a rapid police response [2]. No officers sustained injuries, though one bullet “whizzed by” an officer, underscoring the close call [1].

Pursuit, Crash, and Arrest of 18‑Year‑Old Samatar Salad Officers chased the suspect’s vehicle for several blocks, forcing it to crash near Westerville Road where the driver was ordered to raise his hands [1]. The driver, identified as 18‑year‑old Samatar Salad, attempted to flee but snowy conditions halted the escape, allowing officers to take him into custody [2]. During the stop, a Glock 29 handgun was recovered from inside the sedan [2]. Salad now faces three counts of felonious assault and a failure‑to‑comply charge, with a $750,000 bond set for his release [1].

Legal Charges, Bond, and Ongoing Court Proceedings Salad’s court appearance showed him keeping his head down while the judge imposed the high bond reflecting the seriousness of firing at police [1]. Prosecutors noted that shell casings matched the seized Glock 29, but no motive has been identified, describing the act as random [2]. The case will proceed through Franklin County Municipal Court, where additional evidence from the body‑camera and surveillance footage is expected to be reviewed [2].

Police Leadership Praises Restraint, Investigation Continues Fraternal Order of Police executive vice president Brian Toth called the incident volatile and commended the officers for their restraint, saying the situation could have ended much differently [1]. Deputy Chief Smith Weir confirmed the investigation is ongoing and that motive remains unknown [2]. Authorities continue to analyze the video evidence and forensic findings to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting [2].