Body cam video released from fatal SWAT situation in north Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Newly released body camera footage from the Columbus Division of Police shows a domestic violence call Monday on the northeast side of Columbus that ended in a deadly shooting.

The footage shows the intense moments leading up to when 37-year-old Jerry Smith was shot and killed by police officers after police said he fired at them while holding a woman hostage.

Officers responded to the Easton Ridge Apartments on Hampton Woods Court at approximately 9:40 p.m. Monday night. Upon arriving, they spoke with the witness who called 911.

"I heard lots of really loud banging, and it sounded like he was manhandling her, and I heard, ‘You messing with the wrong one,’ and then I heard, ‘You gonna die tonight,’" the witness said. 

Then the situation escalated. You can hear muffled shouts, then confusion. 

"He's shooting at us," officers said. "No, it was the door. It was the door."

SWAT and hostage negotiators were notified and responded to the scene. Officers are heard giving numerous commands for Smith to exit the home.

"Jerry, come to the front door with nothing in your hands," the officers said. "Follow the instructions of the officers. Do it now. Do it now, Jerry."

Smith did not comply; instead, the camera footage shows he continued to fire multiple times at SWAT officers.

"That one was absolutely at us," officers said. "That one was." 

Over the next hour, Columbus police are able to make contact with Smith over the phone and with the assistance of negotiators, attempted to de-escalate the situation. 

"Come outside with your hands up," officers said. 

More time passes before Smith opens the door while holding the woman and raising a gun. That's when officers shoot at Smith, hitting and killing him. The woman can then be seen escaping and running for safety. She appears unharmed, but shaken up.

"I'm sorry," the woman said. "I'm just scared.”

“Just run,” one of the officers said to her. “Run, run, run. Are you hurt?"

Smith was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. No officers were injured and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.