COLUMBUS, Ohio A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a Columbus police officer and the City of Columbus after a crash in the Franklinton neighborhood that killed 30-year-old Corey Tinnes.
Court records show the lawsuit was filed in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas against Columbus Division of Police Officer Kaitlin Robinson and the city. The case is connected to a Dec. 7, 2025 crash at the intersection of West Broad Street and North Central Avenue.
Police previously said Robinson was responding to a reported burglary with lights and sirens activated when the crash happened.
Crash Happened at West Broad and North Central
According to police reports and dashcam footage released earlier, the crash occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 7 in the Franklinton neighborhood.
Video shows Robinson driving eastbound on West Broad Street as the cruiser approached the intersection with North Central Avenue. The traffic light for eastbound traffic was red.
At the same time, a pickup truck driven by Corey Tinnes was traveling northbound through the intersection. The police cruiser struck the driver’s side of the truck.
Authorities said Tinnes was ejected from the vehicle and later died from his injuries. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death.
Robinson was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Dashcam Footage Released After Crash
The Columbus Division of Police released dashcam video on Dec. 9 after a public records request.
The footage shows the cruiser traveling through several green lights before reaching the West Broad and North Central intersection. The video appears to show the cruiser entering the intersection while the traffic signal was red.
Columbus police policy allows officers to go through red lights when responding to emergencies, but officers must use caution and ensure it is safe before entering an intersection.
At the time of the crash, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 President Brian Steel said the incident would be reviewed through an investigation.
“If the officer got it wrong, that officer will be held accountable,” Steel said.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Leading Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation because it involves a Columbus police officer.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. No criminal charges have been announced.
Robinson was placed on administrative leave following the crash.
Lawsuit Filed by Family of Corey Tinnes
The wrongful death lawsuit claims the officer failed to use proper caution when entering the intersection against the red light.
The complaint seeks damages under Ohio law for losses that include funeral costs, lost income and loss of companionship.
Family members said Tinnes is survived by a 10-year-old daughter, his fiancée and other relatives.
The lawsuit does not publicly list the amount of damages requested.
This lawsuit comes amid a complex week for city leadership, as Freeman Family Sues Three Columbus Officers Over Failure.
Possible Financial Impact for the City
Columbus does not carry liability insurance for police misconduct cases. Settlements and court judgments are typically paid directly from the city’s general fund.
In recent years, the city has paid several large settlements involving police cases, including a $10 million settlement in 2021 related to the fatal police shooting of Andre Hill.
City officials have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
Sources: Franklin County Court of Common Pleas filings, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Axios Columbus
Last Updated: March 11, 2026
Disclaimer: A lawsuit contains legal allegations and does not represent a finding of liability. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation into the crash remains ongoing.