Columbus Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on West Side That Left One Teen Dead, Two Injured
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tragic shooting in the Hilltop neighborhood of west Columbus has left one young man dead and two others, including a juvenile, injured. The violence unfolded late Saturday night, prompting a police investigation and renewed concerns about community safety.
The Shooting
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to a report of gunfire around 10:00 p.m. in the 800 block of Avonia Drive, a residential area just south of Sullivant Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel rushed all three victims to area hospitals for treatment. Tragically, 18-year-old Abdiwali Isaak was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m. at the hospital. His identity was later confirmed by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Police have reported that one of the two surviving victims is a juvenile, though their name, age, and condition have not been released. The third victim, an adult, also remains hospitalized. Their conditions are currently unknown.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have not yet determined a motive behind the shooting. Police have stated that it is unclear what led to the altercation, and they are working to piece together the events that unfolded in the hour leading up to the gunfire.
In an effort to gather more evidence, investigators are urging residents in the area to come forward with any security camera footage or video recordings taken between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. A QR code was provided by the Columbus Division of Police to streamline the process of submitting digital evidence.
Detectives believe community input could be critical in helping them identify those responsible and establish a clearer timeline of the shooting.
Community Impact
The shooting marks yet another painful chapter in the ongoing struggle to curb gun violence in Columbus, particularly in areas that have long battled socioeconomic challenges and under-resourced youth.
Abdiwali Isaak, just 18 years old, is being mourned by friends and family members as a life taken far too soon. Community advocates are once again calling for increased outreach, violence prevention initiatives, and greater involvement from residents to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Residents nearby reported hearing several gunshots and expressed shock and concern over the shooting happening in a typically quiet block.
“We heard a bunch of shots and then sirens — it was terrifying,” said a neighbor who asked not to be identified. “It’s getting too common. It’s scary to even sit on your porch anymore.”
Police Appeal for Information
The Columbus Division of Police is actively working the case and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward. They’ve emphasized that even small details — such as unusual activity, suspicious vehicles, or conversations overheard — can provide critical leads.
If you have any information related to the shooting, you’re urged to contact:
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Detective Pribe at (614) 645-0114
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Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730
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Or submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477)
Tips that lead to an arrest and indictment may be eligible for a reward through Crime Stoppers.
A City Confronting Violence
Columbus, like many cities across the nation, continues to face an uphill battle against rising incidents of gun violence, particularly among young people. This latest homicide adds to a troubling trend in 2025, as law enforcement and city leaders call for a multi-pronged approach that includes law enforcement, community intervention, and expanded youth support services.
The Hilltop community has long been a focal point for local organizations working to prevent violence and support at-risk youth. Advocates say more resources are needed, particularly for mentoring programs, mental health services, and recreational opportunities.
“These kids need options, they need to know there’s more out there than the streets,” said community activist Rhonda Hayes. “We can’t just keep reacting after someone’s been killed. We need to be proactive and save these lives before they’re lost.”
Conclusion
As police continue to investigate and the community grieves, the death of Abdiwali Isaak serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and its root causes. Residents are left asking hard questions and seeking real solutions — because every life lost leaves behind a void that ripples far beyond the scene of the crime.
This is a developing story. More details will be shared as they become available. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities and help bring justice to the victims and peace to the community.
