Today, state Senator Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester) expressed support for the indictment of former Columbus police officer, Adam Coy, who was arrested yesterday for his involvement in the shooting death of Columbus resident Andre Hill.

“Attorney General Yost and his office have made the right decision in arresting and indicting former officer Coy,” Maharath said. “This decision will not bring back Mr. Hill to his family or loved ones, nor will it solve the problems of systemic racism or police brutality. However, holding police officers accountable for their actions, especially when they involve lethal force, is an important step toward reestablishing trust between police and the communities that they are entrusted to protect.”

Footage obtained from former officer Coy’s body camera shows that he shot Hill, a 47-year-old Black man who was unarmed at the time, within seconds of approaching the house he was responding to for a non-emergency call. Coy was charged for murder, felonious assault and two counts of dereliction of duty.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther recently authorized the purchase of new body cameras for the Columbus Police Department. Columbus City Council also recently passed “Andre’s Law,” which requires officers to activate their body cameras during all enforcement actions. Senator Maharath supports both of these decisions.

“Had Adam Coy not been wearing a body camera, we likely never would have known what truly happened to Andre HIll, and justice may not have been served,” Maharath said. “I support decisions by Mayor Ginther and City Council to improve the quality and quantity of body cameras worn by Columbus Police and require their use in all enforcement actions. My hope is that these changes will lead to greater accountability and help restore our community’s trust in police officers.”