Columbus Student Shot in Library Parking Lot; 19-Year-Vintage Charged
Columbus, Ohio — A 19-year-old man has been charged with felonious assault after a Columbus City Schools student was shot in the parking lot of the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Martin Luther King Branch on Thursday evening. The student, who attended East High School, was initially listed in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable condition and is expected to survive.
Details of the Shooting
According to Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert, officers responded to a report of a shooting just after 5 p.m. On Thursday at the library located on East Long Street. Officers found one person shot and transported the victim to a local hospital.
Dispute Led to Shooting
Franklin County Municipal Court documents reveal that Marsean Bowles, 19, met with the student in the library parking lot to discuss an ongoing disagreement. The interaction escalated and Bowles allegedly shot the student in the stomach. Court documents indicate the shooting was recorded on cell phone video.
Bond and Court Appearances
Bowles was arrested and arraigned on Friday morning. A judge set his bond at $2 million. As part of the bond conditions, Bowles is prohibited from possessing firearms, drugs, or alcohol, making threats of violence, and must stay away from the victim, the library, and East High School. He is scheduled to appear in court again on March 6 for a preliminary hearing.
Statements from Officials and Family
Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman released a statement expressing concern for the student and calling for an end to gun violence. The student’s mother shared her pain, stating, ““I am so hurt that this grown man would really seize the time out of his day to hunt down a child that is still in high school…My son is very loved by all…And I now have to see the light dimmed because all he is focused on is his football future that could be possibly be ruined due to his injuries.”“
Library and School Response
The library was briefly placed on lockdown following the shooting and has since reopened. East High School increased security measures on Thursday night and Friday. CARE teams are available to support students and staff.