Columbus, OH (DMN) – An Ohio police officer has been indicted on several charges, including murder, in connection with the tragic shooting of Ta’Kiya Young. The incident occurred in a grocery store parking lot last August, resulting in the loss of a young pregnant Black mother’s life.
A Blendon Township police officer, Connor Grubb, has been indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault. His court arraignment is set for Wednesday. A warrant has been issued for his arrest as part of the indictment.
Young was accused of taking bottles of alcohol when Grubb and another officer approached her vehicle. She was instructed to exit the premises by another officer. Instead, she moved forward towards Grubb, who shot a single bullet through her windshield, hitting her in the chest.
Young was reportedly at least 25 weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting, as reported by CBS affiliate WBNS-TV. Tragically, the daughter she was anticipating in November also passed away.
The state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation concluded its inquiry into the shooting that occurred last December, prior to the appointment of a special prosecutor to oversee the case. The prosecutor proceeded to present evidence to the grand jury over a span of two days. Grand juries focus on evaluating the available evidence to determine if it is sufficient to move forward with a trial, rather than making judgments of guilt.
Grubb’s attorneys expressed their anticipation of their client’s indictment and defended his actions.
“When viewed through the eyes of a reasonable police officer, the evidence will show that our client’s actions were justified, when there is video evidence that Officer Grubb was being hit by a moving vehicle,” attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens said in a statement.
In a video shared on Facebook, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford announced that disciplinary actions would be initiated against Grubb without delay. Belford emphasized that individuals facing indictment are prohibited from possessing firearms under the law. Belford stated that the town had no involvement in the external investigation regarding the shooting.
“I want to be very clear: We’re not passing any judgment on whether Officer Grubb acted properly. We haven’t seen the evidence,” Belford said.
Grubb, who has been a full-time officer with the township since 2019, has been on paid administrative leave since the shooting. According to records, he does not hold a valid officer license in any other part of Ohio.
Brian Steel, executive vice president of the union representing Blendon Township police, expressed his disappointment with the indictment.
“Like all law enforcement officers, Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision, a reality all too familiar for those who protect our communities,” he said in a statement.
According to Nadine Young, the officer’s decision to draw his gun during their initial encounter was unnecessary.
Following the Aug. 24 shooting, the family members of Young have strongly urged for the officer to face charges. Upon reviewing the bodycam footage of the officer discharging his weapon, the family expressed their strong disapproval of his actions, deeming it a significant abuse of power and authority. This sentiment was particularly heightened by the fact that Young had only been accused of a relatively minor offense.
In the video, an officer approaches the driver’s side window and informs Young that she has been accused of shoplifting. The officer then instructs her to exit the vehicle. A young protester is confronted by officers who verbally abuse and shout at her, demanding that she leave. In the midst of the tense situation, the protester bravely questions the officers, asking if they intend to use violence against her.
Within moments, she deftly adjusts the steering wheel, causing the car to inch forward as Grubb swiftly pulls the trigger. Shortly thereafter, following the car’s halt against the building, they shatter the window on the driver’s side. Authorities made efforts to preserve her life, but unfortunately, her injuries proved fatal.
According to Sean Walton, the family’s attorney, there is a clear understanding of the circumstances in which an officer is permitted to use deadly force.
Source: CBS News