Short North thankful for quiet weekend following mass shooting
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Short North thankful for quiet weekend following mass shooting

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The Short North region enjoyed a quiet weekend until Sunday afternoon, a stark contrast from last week when 10 young men and boys were shot and injured in the popular arts and entertainment district.

“We are heartened by the quiet Friday and Saturday evenings of this past weekend. It is a testament to the ongoing efforts and partnerships to improve the safety of our community,” Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance, said in a statement Sunday morning. “We are also grateful to the community of businesses, residents and visitors who enjoyed their time in our community and came out in large numbers to visit over the past few days.”

Ten people were injured in the shooting that occurred around 2:30 a.m. on June 23 in the 1100 block of North High Street. Bullet holes could be seen in two storefronts between East Fifth Avenue and East Fourth Avenue. The windshield of a third building was broken.

Police believe there may have been four gunmen involved in the mass shooting, but as of early Thursday afternoon, no other arrests had been made, except for a 19-year-old from Groveport who is charged with obstructing official business and fleeing the scene of a shooting. He posted bail and remains free pending trial.

This is not the first time there has been gun violence in the Short North.

On May 6, 2023, there were two shootings in one night, leaving 10 people injured.

A month ago, three people were killed and three others were injured in a mass shooting near where Weinland Park meets Italian Village.

Columbus police said during the week they would increase their presence in the Short North, with additional plainclothes and uniformed officers on duty between midnight and 4:30 a.m.

Pandora said businesses and owners in the Short North will continue to work with police and others to keep the area safe.

“We will remain vigilant as the weekend continues,” Pandora said. “Our commitment to the safety and well-being of all who live, work and visit the Short North remains unwavering.”

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@BizMarkWilliams