On April 29, 2021 at approximately 2:07 p.m., Columbus Police Patrol officers were dispatched to Columbus Fire Station #20 on a report of a shooting. Upon the officer’s arrival, they spoke to the victims, Kayle Thomas and Carmichael Coats. They stated they were in a vehicle traveling west on E. 11th Avenue when the suspect, Aries Cotner, fired multiple gun shots at them. Mr. Thomas' was struck by one of the bullets fired from Mr. Cotner. Mr. Coats was not injured during the incident. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Coats continued to Columbus Fire Station #20 in order for Mr. Thomas to be treated for being shot. Mr. Thomas was treated at scene by Columbus Fire Medics.
A Felonious Assault warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr. Aries Cotner. Mr. Cotner is believed to be armed and dangerous and has been on the run for two years.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or go to our website at www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. You may also submit a tip by downloading our new free P3 Tips mobile app available on the iOS and Android platforms. We are no longer taking tips via text message.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Crime Stoppers does not use Caller ID or record telephone conversations. A special coding system protects the identity of the caller. Crime Stoppers also takes calls from persons with information about any felony. Information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of a felony suspect could qualify the caller for a reward as determined by the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. For more information on Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, visit our website at www.stopcrime.org.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Reward money comes from private individuals, businesses, and foundations that see Crime Stoppers as an integral tool in the community’s fight against crime. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Central Ohio Crime Stopper’s, Inc., and P.O. BOX 16038, COLUMBUS, OH 43216-6038.
Watch for the depiction of each “Crime of the Week” during newscasts on WCMH NBC 4, Sunday morning 7a.m., 9 a.m. and at 6 p.m., as well as Monday 11 a.m. Also watch for the depiction to be aired on WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC 6, WTTE FOX 28, and featured in The Columbus Dispatch every Monday.
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