Tragedy in Columbus: 18-Year-Old Woman Killed, Another Injured in Chaotic Shooting Near Mock Park
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tragic shooting in northeast Columbus has left one young woman dead and another injured, following a chaotic scene that unfolded late Wednesday night. The Columbus Division of Police is now actively investigating the incident, which occurred near Mock Park and led to a desperate attempt to flee before the victims were located nearly two miles away.
Shooting Erupts on Mock Road
The shooting happened just before 9:40 p.m. in the 2500 block of Mock Road, a residential area near the well-known Mock Park. According to Columbus police, multiple gunshots rang out, striking two young women, both believed to be 18 years old. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, including what may have sparked the violence.
In the immediate aftermath of the gunfire, the two victims—despite being injured—attempted to escape in a vehicle. The car also carried three additional occupants, including two juveniles, whose identities and relation to the victims have not been disclosed.
Vehicle Flees Before Coming to a Stop Nearly 2 Miles Away
The group fled the scene in the vehicle and traveled approximately two miles northwest, ultimately stopping at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Joyce Avenue, a busy area near multiple apartment complexes and small businesses.
Emergency responders rushed to the second scene, where they found both shooting victims suffering from serious gunshot wounds. One of the women, whose name has not yet been officially released, was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. The other victim was transported to a local hospital, where she is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
The other three occupants in the car were reported to be unharmed but deeply shaken by the incident.
Police Seeking Information
Investigators have not released information about a possible suspect or motive behind the shooting. Detectives spent several hours canvassing both scenes, collecting evidence, and speaking with witnesses.
Authorities are now calling on the public for assistance. “We urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area of Mock Road or Minnesota Avenue to please come forward,” said a Columbus Division of Police spokesperson. “Even the smallest detail could help us find those responsible for this senseless act of violence.”
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
Community Reaction
The shooting has sparked concern and sorrow throughout the northeast Columbus community, particularly among residents near Mock Park, where families and children often gather. The intersection of Minnesota and Joyce Avenue, where the vehicle stopped, is also a heavily trafficked area, making the aftermath of the shooting highly visible to the public.
Local leaders and community advocates are once again calling for action to address youth violence and gun access, which continue to plague neighborhoods across the city.
“This should never be normal,” said April Johnston, a youth outreach coordinator who works with teens in the Mock Road area. “We’ve lost another young woman, and for what? Our kids are scared. They deserve better.”
Ongoing Investigation
As police work to determine what led to the shooting, grief counselors and victim advocates are being made available to the surviving individuals involved, particularly the two juveniles who witnessed the traumatic event firsthand.
The identity of the deceased is expected to be released once next-of-kin have been notified. Meanwhile, police say more information could be released in the coming days as investigators review surveillance footage and await ballistic evidence.
For now, the Columbus community mourns the loss of another young life—and waits for justice in a city continuing to grapple with gun violence.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Columbus police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.