Charges Dropped in Cincinnati Fountain Square Shooting After New Video Evidence
Cincinnati, OH – February 21, 2026 – Charges against Shaquille Ferguson, 24, have been dropped in connection with a shooting on Fountain Square last October. The Hamilton County prosecutor’s office dismissed the charges after reviewing new video evidence that suggested Ferguson acted in self-defense.
Details of the Incident and Initial Charges
Ferguson was initially charged with felonious assault, improper discharge of a firearm, and having weapons under disability – meaning he was already prohibited from possessing a firearm – following a shooting outside CityBird restaurant on Fountain Square. The incident occurred after an argument that originated in the Clifton area. Ferguson turned himself in to police, maintaining his innocence and claiming self-defense from the outset.
The shooting resulted in injuries to a 16-year-old boy, who sustained injuries from shrapnel or glass, and a 19-year-old man, who was struck by a bullet. Both individuals survived their injuries.
New Video Evidence Leads to Dismissal
The case took a significant turn when the prosecution obtained clearer surveillance video from inside CityBird. According to Assistant Prosecutor, the video showed the 16-year-old and 19-year-old drawing their guns first, prompting Ferguson to defend himself. “The charges against my client were dismissed with prejudice since after reviewing the internal video from City Bird, it was crystal clear my client acted in self-defense,” stated Clyde Bennett II, Ferguson’s attorney. “This is what I said from the beginning that my client acted in self-defense.”
“Dismissed with prejudice” means Ferguson cannot be prosecuted again for this specific incident.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The shooting and subsequent investigation had wider implications for the city. The incident contributed to Cincinnati Police Chief Terri Theetge being placed on leave.
Even as the charges related to the Fountain Square shooting have been dropped, Ferguson still faces separate charges in connection with a shooting that occurred a few days prior in Northside, where a man was injured. Investigators found that shell casings from both shootings matched, linking the same 9mm handgun to both incidents through the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.
Reactions to the Dismissal
Kenyetta Houston, Ferguson’s mother, expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “I’m glad nobody else didn’t get hurt. But I’m sorry that that that had happened down there on Fountain Square. He had to do what he had to do.”
Sources: WKRC, Cincinnati.com, MSN, Hoodline