Columbus, Ohio

From Columbus’ NBC4i.com of April 20, 2005

Police: Security Guard Shoots Gunman Outside Nightclub

Shooting Victim In Critical Condition

Police said a security guard shot and critically wounded a man outside a north side nightclub early Wednesday.

The shooting occurred at about 2:30 a.m. at Majestic Night Club & Lounge, NBC 4's Kyle Anderson reported.

Witness statements backed up the security guard's claims that the shooting was in self-defense, Anderson reported.

A patron was thrown out of the club by a security and allegedly returned with a gun, witnesses said.

"According to witnesses, he discharged a firearm into the air and made threats against the security officer," said Columbus police detective Michael Higgins.

Detectives said the security officer, who was armed, decided to shoot.

"The suspect had a weapon and actually fired it at him," said special duty guard Cornell McCleary. "He was given the opportunity three times to drop the weapon. He was about to engage the officer and the officer took him down.”