Breaking news coverage by James DeCamp Photography

A Columbus Police Officer examines the body of a young hispanic male who was found shot and dead in the front seat of a Volkswagen in the middle of Allegheny Avenue shortly after 9 PM Friday night May 14, 2004. The victim was pronounce dead at the scene by Columbus paramedics. Columbus PD Homicide is investigating. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A Columbus Police Officer examines the body of a young hispanic male who was found shot and dead in the front seat of a Volkswagen in the middle of Allegheny Avenue shortly after 9 PM Friday night May 14, 2004. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Columbus paramedics. The Columbus PD Homicide squad is investigating the incident. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

I was on the streets of Columbus for more than 20 years photographing spot news for the Columbus Dispatch and other publications and have a fare share of horror stories to tell, but none compares to this:

 

A Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy shot an Ohio news photographer after confusing his camera and tripod for a weapon, according to the paper. New Carlisle News photographer Andy Grimm was shot in the side as he unloaded a tripod from his vehicle to take pictures of a traffic stop around 10 p.m. Monday September 4, 2017.

Without warning, the deputy opened fire as Grimm was setting up the tripod. The photographer said he and the deputy knew each other.
“I turned around from the Jeep and it seemed like instant, I heard pop-pop,” Grimm said from his hospital bed.

One bullet struck him in the chest and Grimm said another may have grazed his shoulder.
The officer that wounded the cameraman rushed over to help, repeatedly saying, “I thought it was a gun,” Grimm said.
“Now that I’m OK, I’m not so much mad, but when I was on the ground and in the back of the ambulance, I was kind of angry at him,” Grimm said.
New Carlisle News Publisher Dale Grimm said the photographer — his son — left work minutes before the shooting to chase a lightning storm passing over the small town, which boasts a population of about 5,700 people 20 miles north of Dayton. He encountered the traffic stop and turned his camera toward that instead.

He learned of the shooting when Grimm called from the ambulance.
“He said there was no warning, no ‘show me hands’ or ‘drop what you have,'” the paper owner said, while changing Tuesday’s front page to reflect his son’s shooting around 3 a.m.

From the hospital, Grimm retraced his steps leading up to the shooting, wondering what caused the deputy to reach for his gun.
“Until I hear his side, I guess I won’t know what I did wrong,” Grimm said.
The state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation is probing the incident, but Grimm’s father said his son isn’t looking for swift punishment.
“Andy does not want him to get fired,” Grimm said, calling the shooting a misunderstanding.

 

Update 5/4/2019:

NEW CARLISLE, Ohio (AP) — A photojournalist shot by a sheriff’s deputy while preparing to photograph a late-night traffic stop has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against the deputy and a central Ohio county.

The Springfield News-Sun reports Andrew Grimm says he’s glad about this week’s settlement and plans to move from Clark County, where he’s lived much of his life. Grimm wouldn’t provide the settlement amount.

Grimm had gone into New Carlisle in September 2017 to photograph a lightning storm and was about to photograph a traffic stop when Clark County Deputy Jacob Shaw shot him. Shaw’s body camera recorded him telling Grimm, whom he knew, that he thought Grimm had a gun.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office says the settlement is satisfactory to both parties.

A grand jury cleared Shaw of wrongdoing.

Columbus Police stand guard outside of Smith’s Market on Sullivant Avenue late Tuesday night February 10, 2009. Police received an alarm from the store at 7:42 and responded to find the clerk shot in the abdomen behind the counter. The clerk was transported to Mt. Carmel West Hospital in critical, life threatening condition and was reported to be in surgery as of 9 PM, still life threatening. Robby is initially investigating the crime, but will turn it over to homicide if the victim goes DOA. No witnesses where available for the crime and no surveillance cameras where in the store, hence no description of the suspect.

Columbus Police stand guard outside of Smith's Market on Sullivant Avenue late Tuesday night February 10, 2009. Police received an alarm from the store at 7:42 and responded to find the clerk shot in the abdomen behind the counter. The clerk was transported to Mt. Carmel West Hospital in critical, life threatening condition and was reported to be in surgery as of 9 PM, still life threatening. Robby is initially investigating the crime, but will turn it over to homicide if the victim goes DOA. No witnesses where available for the crime and no surveillance cameras where in the store, hence no description of the suspect. (© James D. DeCamp 614-367-6366)

Columbus and Franklin County firefighters ‘Surround and Drown’ a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews stayed on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure.

 

Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin County firefighters 'Surround and Drown' a two alarm fire at the A-Tech Auto Body shop at 2046 Eakin Road Monday evening February 2, 2009. According to Fire Spokesman Chief Doug Smith, the owner Danny Jones stated that he closed the shop at about 5:10 PM Monday evening and nothing suspicious at that time. Smith said that the Fire Alarm Office started receiving calls about 20 minutes later of a fire at the shop. Firefighters where quickly ordered out of the building because of high heat and lots of volatile materials (solvents, paints, propane, etc) in the building. According to Smith crews will remain on the scene through-out the night drowning the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

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Columbus and Franklin Twp Firefighters work to contain a fire in the FoodMax Market on Frank Road late Monday night January 26, 2009. The fire was first reported to the fire alarm office just after 9 PM and firefighters found the structure fully involved with fire through the roof on their arrival. Frank Road and Hardy Parkway where shut down for an extended time as fire fighters fought the blaze defensively. No one was believed to be in the structure at the time of the fire and fire officials where afraid that the structure would collapse because the exterior walls buckling from the high heat in the structure.

Columbus and Franklin Twp Firefighters work to contain a fire in the FoodMax Market on Frank Road late Monday night January 26, 2009. The fire was first reported to the fire alarm office just after 9 PM and firefighters found the structure fully involved with fire through the roof on their arrival. Frank Road and Hardy Parkway where shut down for an extended time as fire fighters fought the blaze defensively. No one was believed to be in the structure at the time of the fire and fire officials where afraid that the structure would collapse because the exterior walls buckling from the high heat in the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

Columbus and Franklin Twp Firefighters work to contain a fire in the FoodMax Market on Frank Road late Monday night January 26, 2009. The fire was first reported to the fire alarm office just after 9 PM and firefighters found the structure fully involved with fire through the roof on their arrival. Frank Road and Hardy Parkway where shut down for an extended time as fire fighters fought the blaze defensively. No one was believed to be in the structure at the time of the fire and fire officials where afraid that the structure would collapse because the exterior walls buckling from the high heat in the structure. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS 1D MkIII cameras with L series lenses.]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputy Matt Reed watches a subjects eyes as she following his pen at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. The female, who declined to give her name, was found to be 'borderline', while she was showing some signs of impairment, the officers did not feel that they had enough evidence to prosecute her and allowed a friend to come and pick her up. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputy Matt Reed watches a subjects eyes as she following his pen at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. The female, who declined to give her name, was found to be ‘borderline’, while she was showing some signs of impairment, the officers did not feel that they had enough evidence to prosecute her and allowed a friend to come and pick her up. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputy C. Floyd checks a car for open containers and drugs at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. The driver was charged with DUI and open container. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputy C. Floyd checks a car for open containers and drugs at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. The driver was charged with DUI and open container. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Timothy C. Carr, Jacksonville, Ohio, sits handcuffed as he is processed during part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. two opened 24 packs of beer, more than a dozen empty cans, and several half full cans of beer were found strewn around the interior of Carr's SUV. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Timothy C. Carr, Jacksonville, Ohio, sits handcuffed as he is processed during part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. two opened 24 packs of beer, more than a dozen empty cans, and several half full cans of beer were found strewn around the interior of Carr’s SUV. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputies check a car at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

As part of a Franklin County DUI task force crack down on drunken drivers Franklin County Sheriff Deputies check a car at a sobriety check point in Franklin Township, at the just east of the intersection of Frank Road and U.S. Route 62 in the early morning hours of Saturday March 18, 2006. Several dozen officers took part in the St. Patricks Day event. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

 

More images in the Ohio Photo Journal

Post Note 2016:  These images have been used extensively by the Columbus Dispatch on so many occasions since I left the paper in 2009 that I have lost count.  The latest use was in their iPhone App page in the Apple App Store (March 2016).

Below are images from the scene of a mass shooting at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004.

Four people were killed and seven wounded in the crossfire during one of the concerts. Concerts scheduled for the night included Damageplan (with 2 former members of Pantera) DimeBag and Vinne with special guest Position 6 and 12 Gauge.
Damageplan was an American heavy metal band from Dallas, Texas that formed in 2003. Following the demise of their previous group Pantera, brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott wanted to start a new band. The pair recruited former Diesel Machine and Halford guitarist Pat Lachman on vocals, and later Bob Zilla on bass. Damageplan released its debut album New Found Power in the United States on February 10, 2004, which debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200, selling 44,676 copies in its first week. While Damageplan was promoting the album at a concert on December 8, 2004 at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, a man named Nathan Gale climbed on stage and killed lead guitarist Darrell and three others, and wounding another seven, before being shot dead by police officer James Niggemeyer.
Although no motive was found, some witnesses claimed Gale blamed the brothers for Pantera’s breakup and believed that they had stolen his lyrics. The band’s manager confirmed there are unreleased Damageplan recordings, although they have not surfaced, and the band has not performed since the incident. Abbott and Zilla have joined the band Hellyeah, and Lachman joined The Mercy Clinic.

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

People hug in the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

People hug in the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

People hug in the parkinglot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

People hug in the parkinglot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Darrell Abbott also known as Dimebag Darrell and Diamond Darrell, was an American musician and songwriter who was a co-founder of Pantera alongside his brother Vinnie Paul, and founder of Damageplan. He was considered to be one of the driving forces behind groove metal.

Abbott was shot and killed by a gunman while on stage during a performance with Damageplan on December 8, 2004, at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. He ranked No. 92 in Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitarists and No. 1 in the UK magazine, Metal Hammer.

On December 8, 2004, 34 dates into the Devastation Across The Nation tour, Abbott was shot on-stage while performing with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. A crowd of approximately 250 had watched four support acts (two local bands entitled Volume Dealer and 12 Gauge, and the tour support Shadows Fall and The Haunted), when moments into Damageplan’s set, 25-year-old former Marine Nathan Gale shot Abbott five times in the head with a 9 mm Beretta 92FS pistol. Some in attendance initially believed the shooting was part of the act, but as Gale continued shooting, the audience quickly came to the realization that the event was not staged. Firing a total of 15 shots, Gale killed three other people and wounded seven more.

Jeff “Mayhem” Thompson, the band’s head of security, was killed tackling Gale, as was Alrosa Villa employee Erin Halk. Audience member Nathan Bray was killed while trying to perform CPR on Abbott and Thompson. It was rumored that one crowd member leapt in front of the gunman, saving the lives of several band members. Damageplan’s drum technician, John “Kat” Brooks, was shot three times as he attempted to disarm Gale, but was overpowered and taken hostage in a headlock hold. Tour manager Chris Paluska was also injured.

Responding within three minutes to a dispatch call made at 10:15pm, seven police officers entered through the front entrance and moved toward the stage. Officer James Niggemeyer came in through the back door, behind the stage. Gale only saw the officers in front of the stage; he did not see Niggemeyer, who was armed with a 12 gauge Remington 870 shotgun. Niggemeyer approached Gale from the opposite side of the stage past a group of security guards, and saw Gale lift his gun to Brooks’ head, and fired a single shot as Gale noticed him. Gale was struck in the face with eight of the nine buckshot pellets and killed instantly. Gale was found to have had 35 rounds of ammunition remaining.

Two fans administered CPR on Abbott until paramedics arrived, but were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Early speculation about motive suggested that Gale, who was a Pantera fan, might have turned to violence in response to the breakup of the band, or the public dispute between Abbott and Pantera singer Phil Anselmo, but these were later ruled out by investigators. In VH1‘s documentary, Behind the Music, Damageplan’s sound engineer Aaron Barnes stated that the whole time, after shooting Dimebag, Gale was looking for Vinnie, possibly planning to murder him too. Another conjecture was that Gale believed Abbott had stolen a song that he had written. About six months prior to the shooting, Gale got into an altercation at a Damageplan concert in Cincinnati where he damaged $5,000 worth of equipment while being removed from the stage by security.

 

Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses

Columbus Paramedics transport an number of people after a fight broke out at the end of a basketball game at Linden-McKinley High School in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday night January 27, 2004.  The basketball game against Beechcroft High School came to an abrupt end when a fight broke out between the players and then fans joined in.  Columbus Police used Mace® in the gymnasium to try and break up the fight. Four people were treated for use of Mace®, one for a heart attack, and one with an asthma attack, non were transported according to scanner traffic.

 

Linden-McKinley High School Basketball player #42 is lead away from the gymnasium of Linden-McKinley by Columbus Paramedics after a fight broke out at the end of the schools basketball game against Beechcroft High School late Tuesday night January 27, 2004. According to paramedics the player was suffering from an asthma attack that was brought on by the use of Mace® by Columbus Police in the gymnasium to try and break up a fight. Four people were treated for use of Mace®, one for a heart attack, and one with an asthma attack, non were transported according to scanner traffic. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] A woman is loaded into a stretcher/wheelchair outside of the gymnasium of Linden-McKinley High School by Columbus Paramedics after a fight broke out at the end of the schools basketball game against Beechcroft High School late Tuesday night January 27, 2004. According to paramedics the woman was suffering from exposure to Mace® used by Columbus Police in the gymnasium to try and break up a fight. Four people were treated for use of Mace®, one for a heart attack, and one with an asthma attack. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] A woman is loaded into a stretcher/wheelchair outside of the gymnasium of Linden-McKinley High School by Columbus Paramedics after a fight broke out at the end of the schools basketball game against Beechcroft High School late Tuesday night January 27, 2004. According to paramedics the woman was suffering from exposure to Mace® used by Columbus Police in the gymnasium to try and break up a fight. Four people were treated for use of Mace®, one for a heart attack, and one with an asthma attack. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] A woman is loaded into a stretcher/wheelchair outside of the gymnasium of Linden-McKinley High School by Columbus Paramedics after a fight broke out at the end of the schools basketball game against Beechcroft High School late Tuesday night January 27, 2004. According to paramedics the woman was suffering from exposure to Mace® used by Columbus Police in the gymnasium to try and break up a fight. Four people were treated for use of Mace®, one for a heart attack, and one with an asthma attack. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

[Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Columbus Firefighters and Paramedics work to dismantle the car of an unidentified woman who was trapped after she flipped her car on I-71 southbound just north of Hudson Street at about 5:45 PM Thursday March 8, 2001. The victim was transported by Medic 16 to the hospital. I-71 southbound was shut down for nearly an hour as rescue workers cut apart her car and extricated her.

Columbus Firefighters and Paramedics work to dismantle the car of an unidentified woman who was trapped after she flipped her car on I-71 southbound just north of Hudson Street at about 5:45 PM Thursday March 8, 2001. The victim was transported by Medic 16 to the hospital (I think Grant - not sure). I-71 southbound was shut down for nearly an hour as rescue workers cut apart her car and extricated her. Columbus Police Sgt. McConnell has the report. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D30 cameras with L series lenses.]

Columbus Firefighters and Paramedics work to dismantle the car of an unidentified woman who was trapped after she flipped her car on I-71 southbound just north of Hudson Street at about 5:45 PM Thursday March 8, 2001. The victim was transported by Medic 16 to the hospital (I think Grant – not sure). I-71 southbound was shut down for nearly an hour as rescue workers cut apart her car and extricated her. Columbus Police Sgt. McConnell has the report. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D30 cameras with L series lenses.]

Dianna Gumm, kneeling in door frame, a home health care worker, looks after an unidentified woman who was trapped after she flipped her car on I-71 southbound just north of Hudson Street at about 5:45 PM Thursday March 8, 2001. The other two women standing are not ID'd. The victim was transported by Medic 16 to the hospital. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D30 cameras with L series lenses.]

Dianna Gumm, kneeling in door frame, a home health care worker, looks after an unidentified woman who was trapped after she flipped her car on I-71 southbound just north of Hudson Street at about 5:45 PM Thursday March 8, 2001. The other two women standing are not ID’d. The victim was transported by Medic 16 to the hospital. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D30 cameras with L series lenses.]

Firefighters from more than 7 different departments battle a blaze at the Jefferson Golf Course Club House Friday February 11, 2000. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the clubhouse, apparently jumped from one building to the other and caused a general alarm (3+) on the East side. No one was reported injured.

 

Mifflin Twp. Firefighter Bruce Day cuts a ventilation hole in the roof of the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the club house, apparently jumped from one building to the other cause a general alarm (3+) on the east side. More than 7 different fire departments turned out for the event. No one was reported injured as far as I know. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Mifflin Twp. Firefighter Bruce Day cuts a ventilation hole in the roof of the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon February 11, 2000.

Firefighters from more than 7 different departments battle a blaze at the Jefferson Golf Course Club House Friday February 11, 2000. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the clubhouse, apparently jumped from one building to the other and caused a general alarm (3+) on the East side. No one was reported injured. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Firefighters from more than 7 different departments battle a blaze at the Jefferson Golf Course Club House Friday February 11, 2000. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the clubhouse, apparently jumped from one building to the other and caused a general alarm (3+) on the East side. No one was reported injured. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Mifflin Twp. ladder 131, left, and Columbus ladder 28 pour water on the roof of the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the club house, apparently jumped from one building to the other causing a general alarm (3+) on the east side. More than 7 different fire departments turned out for the event. No one was reported injured as far as I know. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Mifflin Twp. ladder 131, left, and Columbus ladder 28 pour water on the roof of the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon February 11, 2000.

Firefighters from more than 7 different departments battle a blaze at the Jefferson Golf Course Club House Friday February 11, 2000. The fire which started in an out building about 100 yards from the clubhouse, apparently jumped from one building to the other and caused a general alarm (3+) on the East side. No one was reported injured. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Mifflin Twp. Firefighters Fred Kauser front, and John Hoffman, rear, drag 5 inch line out of a fire building near the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon. The fire, which started in this out building about 100 yards from the club house, apparently jumped from one building to the other cause a general alarm (3+) on the east side. More than 7 different fire departments turned out for the event. No one was reported injured as far as I know. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Mifflin Twp. Firefighters Fred Kauser front, and John Hoffman, rear, drag 5 inch line out of a fire building near the Jefferson Golf Course Club House late Friday afternoon February 11, 2000.

 

America West Flight 2811 from Newark, New Jersey, an Airbus A320 (tail number N628NW), makes it’s final approach to Port Columbus Airport Tuesday afternoon, February 16, 1999 with it’s front nose gear turned 90° the wrong way. The nose gear which should have been turned along the center line of the plane was instead turned perpendicular to the direction of travel. Although Columbus Fire Department and many of the surrounding fire departments responded to the scene with squads, medics and engine companies, the plane landed safely, and its passengers evacuated the plane via it emergency slide chutes. No one was reported injured in the incident although the plane closed one of Port Columbus’s runway’s for several hours until FAA investigators could examine the plane.

 

An America West Airbus A320 (tail number N628NW ) makes it's final approach to Port Columbus Airport Tuesday afternoon with it's front nose gear turned 90¡ the wrong way. The nose gear which should have been turned along the center line of the plane was instead turned perpendicular to the direction of travel. Although Columbus Fire Department and many of the surrounding fire departments responded to the scene with squads, medics and engine companies, the plane landed safely, and its passengers evacuated the plane via it emergency slide chutes. No one was reported injured in the incident although the plane closed one of Port Columbus's runway's for several hours until FAA investigators could examine the plane. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]An America West Airbus A320 (tail number N628NW ) makes it's final approach to Port Columbus Airport Tuesday afternoon with it's front nose gear turned 90¡ the wrong way. The nose gear which should have been turned along the center line of the plane was instead turned perpendicular to the direction of travel. Although Columbus Fire Department and many of the surrounding fire departments responded to the scene with squads, medics and engine companies, the plane landed safely, and its passengers evacuated the plane via it emergency slide chutes. No one was reported injured in the incident although the plane closed one of Port Columbus's runway's for several hours until FAA investigators could examine the plane. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

[Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

The plane suffered minor damage during the landing at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus, Ohio, with the nose wheels rotated 90 degrees. When the flight crew lowered the landing gear it received a (Landing Gear Control and Interface Unit) fault that after a visual fly-by resulted in nose wheels rotated 90 degrees from the straight direction foreseen for landing.

The pilot performed a normal touchdown which was followed by an emergency evacuation from the over-wing exits. None of the 31 people on board were injured.

The NTSB investigation revealed that “the external ‘O’ rings in the steering control valve had extruded and by-passed pressurized hydraulic fluid to rotate the nose wheels. This event had occurred before, and the manufacturer had issued a service bulletin. The operator had not complied with the service bulletin, nor were they required to comply with it.”

From the NTSB’s brief narrative statement of facts, conditions and circumstances pertinent to the accident/incident: 

On February 16, 1999, at 1602 Eastern Standard Time, an Airbus A-320-231, N628AW, operated by America West Airlines as flight 2811, received minor damage when it landed at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus, Ohio, with the nose wheels rotated 90 degrees. There were no injuries to the 2 certificated pilots, 3 flight attendants and 26 passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the scheduled passenger flight which had departed from Newark (EWR), New Jersey, about 1404. Flight 2811 was operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan conducted under 14 CFR Part 121.

According to statements from the flight crew, flight 2811 was uneventful until the landing gear was lowered prior to landing at CMH. After the landing gear was extended to the down-and-locked position, the flight crew received indications of dual landing gear control and interface unit (LGCIU) faults.

The flight crew entered into a holding pattern and attempted to troubleshoot the faults; however, they were unable to determine the source of the problem. The flight crew then prepared for a landing at CMH, with nose-wheel steering and thrust reversers inoperative due to the faults. During the final approach, at the flight crew’s request, the control tower performed a visual check of the landing gear, which revealed that the nose-wheels were rotated about 90 degrees.

The flight crew then initiated a missed approach and declared an emergency. The cabin crew was notified of an impending emergency landing, and the cabin and passengers were prepared for the landing. The captain initiated the approach, and described the touchdown as soft. The airplane stopped on the 10,250-foot-long runway with about 2,500 feet of runway remaining. Damage was limited to the nose landing gear tires and rims.

The captain reported that after landing, he noticed smoke was drifting up on the right side of the airplane. He said he attempted to contact the control tower and confirm if a fire was present, but was unable due to frequency congestion. He then initiated an emergency evacuation using the left and right side over-wing exits.

A review of the air/ground communications, as recorded by the Columbus Air Traffic Control Tower, did not reveal a congested frequency when the emergency evacuation was initiated.

According to Airbus, nose wheel steering was hydraulically actuated through either the cockpit tiller and/or the rudder pedals.

A post-incident visual inspection of the nose landing gear assembly revealed no anomalies. The steering control module was replaced, and a subsequent functional check of the nose-wheel steering was successful.

The steering control module was a sealed unit, opened only during overhaul, with no specified overhaul time, and had accumulated 3,860 hours since last overhauled on March 3, 1998. It was shipped to Messier-Bugatti, the manufacturer, and examined under the supervision of the French Bureau Enquetes Accidents (BEA). The examination revealed that the external hydraulic O-ring seals on the steering control module’s selector valve were extruded (distorted out of the seal’s groove). A small offset was found in the steering control valve.

Airbus further reported that while the offset would have been measurable, it would not have been noticeable under normal operations. Additionally, during landing gear extension, the brake and steering control unit (BSCU) would have been energized and hydraulic pressure would have been directed toward the steering servo valve. The BSCU would have then commanded a small rotation of the nose wheel to check for proper movement. Any disagreement between the commanded position and actual position of the nose wheel would have deactivated the nose wheel steering. However, if hydraulic pressure had bypassed the steering control valve, there would have been continued pressurization to the servo valve, and because of the servo valve’s inherent offset, in-flight rotation of the nose wheels.

Procedures existed for removal of hydraulic pressure from the steering control module. However, once the nose-wheel strut had deflected 90 degrees, the centering cam would have been rotated to a flat area, and would have been incapable of overriding the 3,000 PSI hydraulic system, and returning the nose wheels to a centered position.

Documents from Airbus indicated there have been three similar incidents in which A320 airplanes landed with the nose wheels rotated about 90 degrees. Examination of the steering control modules on two of the airplanes revealed extrusion of the selector valve’s external seals similar to that found on N628AW. Airbus had attributed the extrusion failures to the lack of a backup seal or the effects of aging on the seals. As a result of these incidents, Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-32-1197 on October 8, 1998, to recommend replacement of the external seals on the steering control module’s selector valve on A320 and A321 airplanes within 18 months of the SB’s issuance.

At the time of the incident, neither the French Direction General de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC), or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), had adopted the service bulletin as an airworthiness directive. The operator was not required to comply with the service bulletin, and had not complied with it.

On March 24, 1999, the DGAC issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 1999-124-129(B) to require compliance with the SB. On December 17, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-23-09 which was based upon the French AD, with a 12 month time of compliance for modification of the nose wheel steering control valve.

America West Airlines was a U.S. airline headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Their main hub was at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, with a secondary hub at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. The airline became part of the US Airways Group after it acquired the larger airline in 2005 and adopted the US Airways brand name. America West was the second largest low-cost carrier in the U.S. after Southwest Airlines and served approximately 100 destinations in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Service to Europe was provided through codeshare partners. In March 2005, the airline operated a fleet of 132 aircraft, with a single maintenance base at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Regional jet and/or turboprop feeder flights were operated on a code sharing basis by Mesa Airlines and Chautauqua Airlines as America West Express.

Beginning in January 2006, all America West flights were branded as US Airways, along with most signage at airports and other printed material, though many flights were described as “operated by America West.” Apart from two heritage aircraft, the only remaining America West branding on aircraft can be found on some seat covers and bulkheads. The merged airline used America West’s “CACTUS” callsign and ICAO code “AWE”, but retained the US Airways name. As part of a merger between American Airlines and US Airways in February 2013, which led to American becoming the world’s largest airline, the call sign and ICAO code name was later retired on April 8, 2015 when the FAA granted a single operating certificate for both US Airways and American Airlines. The US Airways brand continued until October 17, 2015, when American Airlines retired the name.