Police have identified Raheem Dawkins, 18, as the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday afternoon on the south side of Columbus. Officers responded to a call regarding the incident at 1:01 p.m. on the 2900 block of Southfield Drive.
When officers arrived, they found Dawkins suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:32 p.m. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.
According to authorities, an adult male at the scene admitted to being the shooter. He claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that Dawkins was assaulting him at the time of the incident. Police have not disclosed the identity of the shooter, but they confirmed that he is cooperating with detectives.
As of now, the investigation has not uncovered a specific motive for the altercation. Columbus Police are working to gather more details and are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the events leading to the shooting to come forward.
This tragic event has shaken the Southfield Drive community, leaving residents concerned about violence in their neighborhood. Police have assured the public that they are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and whether any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). Calls can be made anonymously, and tips could help bring clarity to the ongoing investigation. The Columbus Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in solving cases like this.