Police: Man shot by officer was holding cellphone, not gun

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say a man shot and wounded by a police officer on a burglary call in Ohio last month was holding a cellphone rather than a gun.

Columbus police say the officer was dispatched to the Columbus home Feb. 24 after a report that an armed man had kicked in a door and was assaulting a woman inside.

Police say the man ran into a carport behind the house and “was hiding in a dark corner” when he was confronted by the officer. Police say the man “made an unexpected gesture with his right hand” and the officer, believing the man to be armed, fired one shot. Police say the object in the man’s hand was a dark colored cellphone.

The 27-year-old man was taken to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening. Police say he will face domestic violence and assault charges involving an estranged girlfriend and already faces similar charges involving incidents earlier in the month.

The officer is on paid administrative leave. Franklin County prosecutors will review the shooting and decide whether presentation to a grand jury is warranted. Police say a “comprehensive administrative process and critical review” will also be done to determine whether department policy was followed.