When a suspect was shot dead in Ohio, the police officer initially thought he was holding a gun, but it may have been nothing more than a harmless vape.
An investigation is underway after an American police officer, who shot an unarmed suspect dead, may have mistaken his vape pen for a gun.
The incident happened when police entered the apartment of 20-year-old Donovan Lewis at around 2.30am to serve an arrest warrant on him.
Police bodycam footage shows Canine Unit officer Ricky Anderson – a 30-year veteran with the division – entering the suspect’s apartment and opening fi re as Lewis sits up and raises his hands.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant told a news conference the shot was fired when the police officer saw that the suspect had something in his hand.
Lewis was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he later died of his injuries. Bryant said that a device resembling a ‘vape pen’ was ‘found on the bed right next to him’.
Police also confirmed that no weapon had been found and an investigation is now being conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Bryant added:
“Donovan Lewis lost his life. As a parent I sympathise and I grieve with his mother and with our community.”
Columbus Police said in a statement:
“On Tuesday August 30, Columbus Police officers attempted to serve a felony warrant at an apartment.
“Once inside, officers confronted a male, at which time one Columbus Police officer discharged their weapon, striking the male.
“Officers rendered aid to the male until medics arrived on scene and transported him to hospital in critical condition. The male was pronounced deceased at 3.19 AM.”
Columbus police said that Lewis had been wanted on multiple warrants for offences including domestic violence, assault and improper handling of a firearm.
Discover more news from Vapouround
Why not take a look at our other vape articles by visiting the ‘News‘ section of the Vapouround website. Or read how Maryland police tased a teen for allegedly vaping.
