Man dead after shooting at Amazon building, Columbus police

Holly Souther and Daniel Susco, Springfield News-Sun, Ohio
·2 min read

May 13—A man is dead after exchanging gunfire with Columbus police Sunday.

The suspect, later identified as Ali Hamsa Yusuf, was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the West Jefferson Police Department.

The incident started after West Jefferson police were dispatched on reports of an active shooter at Amazon CMH5 building, located at 6400 state Route 29, around 4:43 p.m., according to the department in a Facebook post.

"At least one shot was fired within Amazon, damaging the building," the post said.

Police officers cleared the building for threats and victims, according to police. No injuries were reported at the Amazon warehouse.

Yusuf left the scene in a vehicle in an unknown direction prior to the officers' arrival, according to police.

He was later located in Columbus, where a second incident developed. The Columbus Dispatch reported a shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Georgesville and Clime roads, east of Interstate 270.

Yusuf shot and hit a Columbus police officer, with officers returning fire, according to police. He was pronounced deceased at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital.

West Jefferson police said the officer was treated at Grant Hospital and is in stable condition.

Amazon said that the suspect was a contractor assigned to the facility by a third-party partner.

Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly said, "We're thankful that no one at our facility was injured during this incident and for the work of our team on the ground and first responders. As this is an active investigation, we're cooperating with the West Jefferson Police Department and will defer further comment to them at this time."

The company added that employees at the facility at the time of the shooting were sent home with pay, and the following shift was canceled, also with pay. They said that counseling services are being offered for anyone who needs them.

West Jefferson Police Department, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Plain City Police Department, London Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jefferson Twp. Fire Department and Prairie Twp. Fire Department responded to the scene as well.

The Columbus Police Department and Ohio BCI are investigating the shooting. Investigations at both locations are open and ongoing.