Teenager arrested after shooting in Easton has first court hearing

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 16-year-old arrested over the weekend following a shooting at Easton Town Center had his first court hearing Tuesday.

The teenager was taken into custody by officers from the Columbus Division of Police along with a 17-year-old. Police said no one was injured when shots rang out in the 4000 block of Gramercy Place, but a business was hit by gunfire.

RELATED: Police: 2 teens in custody after shooting at Easton Town Center; no injuries reported

Both teenagers were charged with four counts of aggravated assault, two counts of discharging firearms on prohibited grounds and one count of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle.

“The charges presented in court today include seven felonies, each of which involves the possible use of a weapon against the juvenile,” said Franklin County District Attorney Courtney Howard.

The 16-year-old’s parents were in court and explained to the judge that this was not his usual behavior and demanded his release. They said he does what they say and is decent.

“He is learning to drive and has a job at a recreation center. I am working on getting him to become a man. I don’t want anything like this to happen to him,” the teenager’s father said.

The judge keeps him in remand prison.

The Franklin County District Attorney’s Office requested that he be convicted and tried as an adult.

The teenager’s public defender told the judge he was a good boy.

“Mom and dad are shocked that they are here. He has no criminal record. Their son is not like that, he doesn’t behave like that – and certainly not on a regular basis,” said public defender Jeannie Mackowiak, who is representing the teenager.

In a 911 call made the night of the shooting, a person can be heard telling emergency services that they heard six or seven gunshots.

According to an incident report, two juveniles were observed pointing guns at people in Easton.

The other teenager reportedly involved in the shooting is expected to appear in court tomorrow.

This is not the first shooting involving teenagers in Easton.

Last August, police arrested a 13-year-old who they said shot a 15-year-old in a shopping mall.

The charges against the youth have been stayed for the time being because he is not competent to stand trial. The judge has ordered that the youth attend courses to learn about the court system and become competent to stand trial.