Ohio police changes warrant policy, as black man shot dead in bed by officers

• The Columbus police chief issued a policy change regarding warrants served late at night.
• Donovan Lewis, 20, was fatally shot around 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 30.
• Officer Ricky Anderson fired his gun when Lewis appeared to raise a hand with something in it.

Less than two weeks after an officer in Ohio fatally shot a Black man in his bed while serving an arrest warrant, the Columbus police chief issued a policy change regarding warrants served late at night on Thursday.

According to a memo sent to all sworn personnel, Chief Elaine Bryant has directed the Columbus Division of Police to seek high-level approval for some warrants served between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Donovan Lewis, 20, was fatally shot around 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 30 while police were carrying out a felony arrest warrant for alleged improper firearm handling, domestic violence, and assault.

“Effective immediately and until revised or rescinded by me, no pre-planned arrest warrants shall be served at private residences for all misdemeanor offenses (including domestic violence) and non-violent felony offenses between the hours of 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM without the prior approval of a lieutenant or above,” the memo said.

The memo added: “Pre-planned means the sole reason you have decided to go to the address is to serve an arrest warrant. This policy does not apply to tactical units, for example, SWAT, In/Tac, and task force personnel.”

Body camera footage from the August 30 incident shows an officer fatally shooting Lewis moments after encountering him. In the moments before being shot, Lewis appears to sit up in bed and raise a hand.

Officer Ricky Anderson fired his gun when Lewis appeared to raise a hand with something in it, Bryant told reporters in August.

Bryant stated that a device resembling a “vape pen” was later “found on the bed right next to him.” According to police, no weapon was discovered.

Anderson, a 30-year veteran of the force assigned to the canine unit, was placed on paid leave, as is standard procedure for officers who shoot their weapons while on duty, according to police.

Attorney Rex Elliott, who represents Lewis’ family, urged Columbus police to reconsider when serving warrants earlier this month.

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