Key Takeaways:
- Columbus police charged David Estrada, 22, with murder in the fatal shooting of Ryan Ward, 27, in the Hilltop neighborhood Tuesday night.
- Officers found Ward shot on North Burgess Avenue near West Broad Street, and he died at a hospital at 8:16 p.m., according to NBC4.
- Police arrested Estrada after a pursuit that ended in Berne Township, Fairfield County.
- A Columbus police spokesperson confirmed the arrest and the murder charge but released no details about the chase.
- Estrada is in custody, and police have reported no ongoing threat to the public.
Quick Facts:
What: Columbus police charged a 22-year-old man with murder after a fatal shooting in the Hilltop.
Where: North Burgess Avenue near West Broad Street, Hilltop, Columbus; arrest at Old Logan Road and Blue Valley Road, Berne Township, Fairfield County.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, around 7:40 p.m. (NBC4) or shortly after 8 p.m. (WSYX).
Who: Columbus police; Ryan Ward, 27 (victim); David Estrada, 22 (suspect).
Status: Under investigation; suspect in custody, arraignment scheduled Thursday.
Source: NBC4 Columbus; WSYX (ABC6)
What Happened
Columbus police responded to North Burgess Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood on Tuesday night after a report of a shooting, according to a police dispatcher. NBC4 reported the call came in around 7:40 p.m. WSYX reported it came in shortly after 8 p.m.
Officers found Ryan Ward, 27, with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics took him to a hospital in critical condition, and he died at 8:16 p.m., NBC4 reported. WSYX reported he went to Grant Medical Center.
Police later arrested David Estrada, 22, after a pursuit into Fairfield County, a police spokesperson said. NBC4 reported the chase ended at Old Logan Road and Blue Valley Road in Berne Township. WSYX reported Estrada was taken into custody after a crash along U.S. 33 near the Hocking-Fairfield county line.
What Officials Said
A Columbus police spokesperson said Estrada faces a murder charge in Ward’s death. The spokesperson said police did not release details about how the pursuit unfolded.
Police have not said what led to the shooting, and they released no information about a motive. They also have not said how Ward and Estrada know each other, or whether they do.
Estrada is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment Thursday, according to NBC4.
What This Means for Columbus Residents
Police have Estrada in custody, and no one else has been reported sought in connection with the shooting. Police did not announce road closures or safety alerts for the Hilltop.
Residents near North Burgess Avenue and West Broad Street may see continued police activity as investigators work the scene. The Franklin County court’s arraignment Thursday will show the formal charge and bond. Police have not yet said whether more arrests are expected.
What To Do
Anyone with information about the shooting can call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477). Callers can also reach Columbus police through the non-emergency line at 614-645-4545. Call 911 for emergencies. Please verify these numbers before publishing.
Columbus Frontline will update as more information becomes available.