City of Columbus parade may be re-routed due to homicide on parade path overnight.

***UPDATE*** Through using area camera footage, a suspect was identified and they were captured in Madison just before 2 PM today.

What was initially thought to be fireworks turned out to be a shooting and homicide with the suspect still on the run as of 10 AM Thursday morning, July 4, 2024.

Columbus police responded to the area of James Street in downtown Columbus for a complaint of fireworks, but what they found was a man shot and killed with bullet casings in the area.

Police have been on the scene for hours and are asking if any businesses or residences have cameras, to review footage and see if they have anything to contribute to the investigation.

This is right on the path of the 4th of July parade route and at 8 AM the Facebook page “Columbus 4th of July Festival” posted “The parade route will tentatively detour east down East Mill, south to Water St, then west onto East Harrison St (to the fire station). We ask for the community’s help with not parking in that area, and patience as we try to navigate the situation. If the traditional route can go on as planned, we will notify via this group as well as in person to the best of our ability. Our hearts are with those affected- please be kind to one another, and to the increased police presence as they both carry on their investigation and keep us all safe.”

While police say the suspect is still at large, they say the parade is safe to go on.