Two people shot on Gardiner Drive in east Columbus; police say conditions remain unknown Thursday

What is known so far

Columbus police are investigating a shooting reported early Thursday morning in the city’s east side.

The incident was reported around 4 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the 4500 block of Gardiner Drive, near Hunt Avenue. Police said two people were shot. Their medical conditions had not been released as of Thursday morning.

Investigators assigned to violent-crime cases responded to the scene alongside uniformed patrol officers. Police indicated the case remained active and could develop as additional information is confirmed.

Response and investigative steps

In shootings where victims’ conditions are initially unknown, investigators typically focus first on stabilizing the scene and preserving evidence, then reconstructing the sequence of events through interviews, surveillance video collection, and ballistic analysis. In this case, police confirmed that crime scene investigators and detectives were working on location Thursday morning.

Authorities had not publicly identified the victims, described any suspect, or announced an arrest. Police also had not released information about a possible motive, the type of weapon involved, or whether the shooting occurred inside a residence or outdoors.

Information not yet released

As of Thursday morning, key details remained unconfirmed by authorities, including:

• Whether the two victims were transported from the scene or arrived at hospitals independently
• The exact location within the 4500 block where the shooting occurred
• Any relationship between the victims, or between victims and a potential suspect
• Whether there is an ongoing threat to the public in the immediate area

This is a developing story and information may change as detectives interview witnesses and review evidence.

What residents can expect next

In the hours after a shooting, police commonly expand canvassing for witnesses and video, including door-to-door contacts and requests for security-camera footage from nearby homes and businesses. If a suspect description is developed, investigators may issue a public request for information.

Columbus.news will update this report as police release confirmed details about the victims’ conditions, the circumstances of the shooting, and any arrests or charges.