Columbus police reveal identities of 2 officers involved in Columbus man’s shooting death, release new video
Columbus police have named the officers involved in the fatal shooting of a Columbus man on Wilson Avenue. Officer Holden Woolever, a two-year veteran, and Officer Benjamin Beidleman, a six-year veteran, were identified in the incident that took the life of 33-year-old Isawan Foster.
According to authorities, the officers were on their way to respond to a domestic violence incident at an apartment complex when the shooting occurred. The newly released body camera footage captured the moment the officers approached the building and were met with gunfire from Foster, who emerged from an entryway and began shooting.
Brian Toth, from the Fraternal Order of Police, stated that the officers had no time to respond to the immediate threat. He explained that in such a situation, officers do not have the luxury of issuing warnings or commands; they must act quickly to protect themselves and the public. Toth emphasized the split-second decision-making process that law enforcement officers often face in dangerous situations.
A friend of Foster, known as Wuan, described the victim as an aspiring rapper known to friends as Wizzle. Wuan expressed shock and disbelief over Foster’s untimely death, stating that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Wuan was adamant that Foster was not involved in the police’s initial response to the domestic violence call and should not have been targeted.
Authorities revealed that Foster had a lengthy criminal record spanning over a decade. Toth condemned Foster’s possession of a firearm, stating that he should never have had access to a weapon given his history. Additionally, one individual, Brandon Wade, was arrested in connection with the domestic violence incident. Wade faced charges of domestic violence and assault for allegedly attacking his wife’s daughter and obstructing an emergency call during the altercation.
Currently, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Foster’s death. The involved officers have been reassigned to other duties pending completion of the investigation by the BCI. The Fraternal Order of Police indicated that both officers would await the outcome of the inquiry before resuming their normal assignments.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is grappling with the tragic loss of Isawan Foster and the complexities of the situation that led to his unfortunate demise. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in cases involving the use of deadly force.