Police: Man Shot, Killed Along I-70 Was L.A. Rape Suspect
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Man Shot Was Rape Suspect
Police say the man who was shot after a pursuit and crash was a suspected serial rapist from Los Angeles.
Chopper 4
UPDATED: Police release the name of the serial rape suspect who was shot after a pursuit and crash.
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Information is coming to light about the man who was shot and killed by police after a pursuit and crash Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities said the incident began with a police pursuit at Beechwood and Main that continued onto Interstate 70 on the city’s east side.
During the pursuit, Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Doug Smith said, the suspect crossed the median and collided head-on with a tanker truck.
Smith said when officers approached the suspect, he was still moving and appeared to be reaching for a weapon and was shot by police. Officials said the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect has been identified by Columbus police as Abram Bynum. Bynum is the suspected High Desert Rapist, who is believed to be responsible for a series of rapes in Los Angeles County from 2004 to 2007.
L.A. County authorities enlisted the help of CPD in obtaining a DNA sample from Bynum. Police said the DNA was sent to L.A., where tests allegedly matched Bynum’s DNA to five area rapes. Additional evidence, CPD said, allegedly linked the suspect to three other rapes.
Columbus police said that when the DNA was confirmed, Bynum was suspected in eight rapes consisting of 19 charges in L.A.—the most serious of which were rape and kidnapping.
According to an L.A. detective, authorities had planned to come to Columbus and take Bynum back to L.A.
Columbus police said that they are investigating whether the suspect committed rapes in Columbus.
The L.A. detective said Bynum was suspected in sexual assaults in Columbus, but wouldn’t elaborate.
Officials said Bynum has family living in Central Ohio. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
The semi driver involved in the crash was taken to Grant Medical Center in stable condition.
No officer injuries were reported in the incident.
As a result of the crash, I-70 east was closed at Brice Road and I-70 west was closed at state Route 256 during the investigation and cleanup. All lanes of traffic were reopened at about 1 a.m.
The semi was empty at the time of the crash, but diesel fuel was leaking onto the roadway. Hazardous materials crews were also called to the scene.
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Reader Reactions
This is one late term abortion I support.
Could we get an after picture up here?
The man was a hardened criminal on the run and he got what he deserved. I’m sure all his victims are sleeping well tonight. Just think of all the California and Ohio taxpayer money we just saved by not going to trial, attorney fees, court costs, prison costs for this individual. If you choose to break the law and be of all things a “rapist” then you get what you deserve. I’m sure the vacancy window is always lite “down there”. CPD should be applauded for doing everything right and by the book.
Hi everyone,
Just to let some people know, CPD does everything in their power not to engage in pursuits, high speed or not. On a daily basis, and I mean daily, police choose not to chase a vehicle for different reasons. It is CPD’s strick policy that they only chase people with guns, or that have committed a Felony 1 (such as murder/rape). Everyday-and you can pull up several web sites that you can listen to police scanners, police do not pursue stolen vehicles, traffic violators that don’t stop or other vehicles that run from the police. More times than not, the police DO NOT pursue for the safety of the public. That takes a lot of discipline but it is done. CPD does not like pursuits but some times you have to engage, and this was the case here. Officers don’t like pursuits because it puts their lives in just as much danger. I was informed that last year, only around 30 pursuits were authorized last year, only 30. I think CPD is making wise decisions everyday, and are only judged when extreme situations happen.
Thanks Jaguar, you get it!!!!
Patriots on 08/Jul/09 Wed @ 15:34 is CORRECT.
The scenario is analogous to adverse selection.
When cars parked on one side of a block NEVER get a ticket for improper parking (violating a code provision); as word on the street spreads, folks needing to park in that area wil target that side & block until all spaces are filled, to the exclusion of any other available spaces.
RISK=0, REWARD=LARGE, Ri:Re (ratio) = 0
<flip>
Cost to park all day = $.01/minute
Penalty for ANY violation = crushed car while driver, owner and extended families are in car (huge risk).
RISK=LARGE, REWARD=SMALL, Ri:Re = LARGE
Many decades ago (but not today) it was o.k. and lawful to use deadly force to stop a fleeing felon.
If the police discontinue chases in situations such as these, it would be license for predators to declare open season on the public.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Patriots 08 July 2009 Wed. 15:34
“.... I am basing my opinions on the facts. Cops followed ... chased ....
“... but if they don’t pursue the criminals then criminals will know that all they have to do is run and they get away free.“
I’ll trade a dented semi truck for housing this pile of waste in a prison for 50 years any day.
One less to have to feed and house and then set free to victimize again!It’s a shame there was collateral damage though.
maumi
I dont let anyone stay with me either.
Maumi…i actually agree with you for once. they shouldnt be doing high speed chases. they should just shoot to kill scum like this. they dont even deserve a trial. THAT would make this a better country. and since we have a mobster in the white house, i dont doubt its comming soon.
Oh unrepentent, now I am confused, I don’t know whether you are a hired hitman for the government or a criminal profiler.
On a serious note, most serial criminals tend to keep that part of thier life thier best kept secret. I love all of my family and I do not believe that anyone in my family could ever intentionally hurt someone, yet that doesn’t mean they are not capable of doing so. I would definitely disown any family member that went out of thier way to bring physical grief. Personally I let no one stay in my house, just to keep safe.
Well, it’s 5:00 gotta go get my princess.
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