Reputed Gang Leader Reportedly Killed By Police

Two Ohio Highway Patrol troopers and a Columbus Police officer today fired shots that killed the man thought to be a leader of the Short North Posse gang, Jermonte Fletcher. Columbus Police say the officers were attempting to serve a fugitive warrant as part of the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Task Force when Fletcher reportedly fired upon them. Police say federal agents entered an apartment near south High and Obetz Road and gave verbal commands to Fletcher to surrender. He fired shots at officers. The three officers returned fire. Fletcher was pronounced dead at the scene. Fletcher has been the subject of a massive manhunt for more than a year since he and 21 others were charged in federal court with multiple drug offenses. One law enforcement agent is hospitalized at Grant Medical Center for a leg injury that requires surgery.