The Franklin County coroner’s office has identified Benjamin Wheeler, 40, as the man suspected of injuring three Columbus SWAT officers during a tense standoff on the city’s west side. The incident, which occurred Thursday night, ended with Wheeler being shot and killed by police. The confrontation began with a domestic violence call around 4:30 p.m. on Cherryberry Drive.

SWAT officers arrived on the scene and attempted to negotiate with Wheeler for several hours, urging him to surrender peacefully. Despite their efforts, the situation escalated, leading to the injuries of the three officers involved. According to Brian Steel, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge 9, all three injured officers have been discharged from the hospital and are in good spirits.

“Officers are killed in the country all the time over stabbing. It’s lucky that these officers weren’t killed last night,” Steel remarked, emphasizing the dangers officers face and the relief that none were fatally injured. The Columbus Division of Police has been cautious in releasing further details about the incident, but Steel assured that the division is rallying around the affected officers, providing support as they recover.

Court records reveal that Wheeler had an outstanding warrant for his arrest due to a failure to provide child support. This added layer of complexity may have contributed to the standoff’s intensity, as officers were aware of his legal troubles. This incident has once again highlighted the risks law enforcement officers face daily. The quick recovery of the injured officers is a testament to their resilience and the support system within the police community.

However, the tragic outcome serves as a reminder of the potential for violence in domestic situations and the challenges in handling them safely. As the investigation continues, the community awaits more detailed information from the Columbus Division of Police regarding the events that led to the deadly confrontation.