Officer critically wounded in shooting is 27-year veteran
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs discusses a shooting that left a SWAT officer in critical condition as officers attempted to arrest a suspect on an arson charge, on Sunday, April 10, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. Police said the officer was in a SWAT vehicle approaching the suspect’s apartment early Saturday morning when shots were fired, hitting the officer. (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins) (The Associated Press)
Authorities are identifying the Ohio police officer they say was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him.
Columbus police on Monday said SWAT Officer Steven M. Smith is a 27-year veteran with the Columbus Division of Police. The police statement says the 54-year-old Smith is in critical condition at a Columbus hospital.
Police have said the suspect refused to surrender after Sunday's shooting. They say several hours passed during which smoke and flames were seen in the man's apartment.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 44-year-old man gave up after a loud bang was heard inside the apartment. Police say the noise was part of a strategy to end the standoff.