The Short North enjoyed a quiet weekend through Sunday afternoon, quite the contrast to the previous week when 10 young men and boys were shot and injured in the popular arts and entertainment district.
“We’re encouraged by the peaceful Friday and Saturday nights this past weekend. It’s a testament to the ongoing efforts and partnerships dedicated to enhancing safety in our community,” Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance, said in a statement released Sunday morning. “We are also grateful for the community of businesses, residents, and visitors who enjoyed and have come together in our community in large numbers as well over the last few days.”
The 10 were injured in the shooting that happened around 2:30 a.m. on June 23 in the 1100 block of North High Street. Bullet holes could be seen in two storefronts between East Fifth Avenue and East Fourth Avenue. The front window of a third building was shot out. Police believe four shooters may have been involved in the mass shooting, but as of early afternoon Thursday no other arrests have been made other than a 19-year-old from Groveport who faces a charge a charge of obstructing official business and is accused of fleeing the scene of the shooting. He has posted bond and is free pending trial.
This is not the first time the Short North has been rocked by gun violence. On May 6, 2023, two shootings happened in one night that injured 10 people. A month ago, three people were killed and three others were injured in a mass shooting nearby around where Weinland Park meets Italian Village. Columbus police indicated during the week that they would step up their presence in the Short North, and that additional plainclothes and uniformed officers would be on duty between midnight and 4:30 a.m.
Pandora said the businesses and landlords in the Short North will continue to work with police and others to keep the neighborhood safe. “We will remain attentive as the weekend continues,” Pandora said. “Our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits the Short North remains unwavering.”
[email protected] @BizMarkWilliams
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Short North grateful for peaceful weekend following mass shooting
