Columbus Police Use-of-Force Incident Under Investigation by Inspector General

Columbus, Ohio – The City of Columbus Department of the Inspector General is investigating an incident involving Columbus police officers in the Linden area following the release of a video showing an officer using force during an arrest. The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 7:18 p.m. At the intersection of Cleveland and Oakland Park avenues, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

What the Video Shows

A video submitted to 10TV by a viewer depicts three officers near a black vehicle with their firearms drawn. The footage shows a woman initially facing the officers with her hands raised, then turning and walking backward towards them. An officer then sweeps his leg, causing the woman to fall to the ground.

Police and Inspector General Response

The Columbus Division of Police stated they were made aware of the video and immediately forwarded it to the Department of the Inspector General. The Inspector General’s office is responsible for investigating allegations of police misconduct and excessive use of force within the city. The findings of the investigation will be referred to the Columbus Civilian Police Review Board. The City of Columbus Department of the Inspector General is responsible for conducting administrative investigations regarding allegations of police misconduct.

Fraternal Order of Police Statement

Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, described the leg sweep technique as “a trained and approved technique and is classified as a Level 1 use of force, the lowest level on the Columbus Division of Police use-of-force scale.” He added that such encounters are “inherently high-risk and require officers to act quickly to ensure the safety of the public, the officers involved, and the individuals being detained.”

Columbus Police Statement

The Columbus Division of Police released a statement acknowledging the incident and affirming their commitment to transparency and accountability. The statement reads, “We understand that any incident involving the use of force can be upsetting to the community. The Columbus Division of Police is dedicated to transparency and accountability for all members of the Division, and we appreciate the community’s patience as these investigations are completed.”

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not yet released details regarding the circumstances that led to the arrest or the charges, if any, that have been filed. Authorities have been asked to provide body-worn camera and dash camera footage from the incident, but the timeline for its release remains unclear. The Inspector General is currently probing the Columbus police incident after the video went viral.