Police: 12 Shootings in Ohio Connected

Twelve shootings along a five-mile stretch of interstate this year are connected, including one that killed a woman, police said Tuesday.

Four of the shootings – three at vehicles and the one that broke an elementary school window last month – were from the same gun, Franklin County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Steve Martin said.

Although ballistics tests could not link the remainder of the shootings along Interstate 270, investigators said they “are comfortable” saying all 12 are connected, he said. He would not elaborate.

The shootings began in May along Interstate 270 in southern Columbus. On Nov. 25, 62-year-old Gail Knisley was struck by a bullet that pierced the side of the car she was in. Many previous shootings have been reported since then.

Authorities, who have received more than 500 tips, would not speculate on whom the shooter might be and would not release the type of weapon.

“Collectively, we think it’s not good for us to put that information out,” Martin said.

Local businesses have established a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Investigators on Monday linked the Nov. 11 shooting at Hamilton Township Elementary School to the others – making it the 12th shooting police announced in the case.

The school in Obetz is about two miles from the freeway. Superintendent Bill Wittman said he believes the shooting was not meant to harm anyone because it happened overnight.

A house was shot at Tuesday near the freeway that circles Columbus, but investigators have not linked it to the other shootings, Martin said.