Police-Involved Shooting Suspect's Family Wants External Investigation

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The family of a 26-year-old man who allegedly fired shots at officers and then was found fatally shot inside an apartment said they want an external investigation.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS from Columbus police.

The NAACP joined Ryan M. Clayton's family to announce the filing Monday morning.

Columbus police was called to an apartment complex on the 2200 block of Webster Canyon Drive shortly before midnight Tuesday, March 1, on reports of a domestic dispute between a mother and son.

When officers arrived on the scene, Clayton allegedly fired at the officers through the door, hitting one just below the knee, according to police.

"They knocked on the door and announced their presence. At that time, the suspect started shooting through the door," CPD Sgt. Rich Weiner told NBC 4.

Officers Sean E. Bonn and Ricky A. Crum returned fire.

The suspect and officers exchanged gunfire as additional units arrived on the scene, according to a police report.

"There was no indication prior to arriving that the suspect posed any threat to the officers or the person inside -- other than just an argument. So once officers arrived, they knocked on the door. It was instantaneous when the suspect started firing," Weiner said.

"I looked outside, and the cops were carrying the policeman on their shoulders and then ran him that way and threw him on top of another police car," witness Samantha Musick said.

Bonn was transported to OSU Medical Center Main in stable condition.

Clayton retreated inside the apartment.

The suspect’s mother, Deborah Cornett, was able to leave the apartment without incident.

SWAT was called to the scene and surrounded the home. SWAT officers set off tear gas after a 90-minute standoff.

Officers entered the apartment and found Clayton dead from an apparent gunshot wound. It remained unclear whether Clayton turned his firearm on himself or he was hit by an officer's shot.

Clayton's mother said her son truly was sick.

Cornett said she called 911 because her son stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and she wanted him transported to a local hospital.

"But instead, they came. They had SWAT. They had the bomb squad. They had everybody. Hundreds and hundreds of cops, and they probably scared him so bad," Cornett said.

Cornett said her son didn't intentionally shoot an officer.

"I know my son is not that type of a person. He would never harm anybody," she said.

Cornett said at one point Clayon walked outside to tell officers the gun was empty and then walked back inside.

She said that was the last time she saw her son.

Bonn is an 18-year veteran and is assigned to 18 Precinct C Company. Crum is a 21-year veteran and is assigned to 18 Precinct C Company.

Columbus police said there have been prior runs to the same apartment on domestic disputes.

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