Shots Fired at Car Carrying Kids on Petzinger Road

Driver injured by broken glass, four juveniles unharmed in Columbus incident

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A late-night drive on Columbus' southeast side turned into a scare for five people on Saturday when gunfire hit a car carrying four juveniles and an adult driver on Petzinger Road. The driver suffered minor injuries from shattered glass and was treated at the scene, while the four young passengers were not physically hurt. Detectives have opened an active investigation but have not announced any arrests yet.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in certain Columbus neighborhoods, especially along the Petzinger Road corridor where a separate shooting occurred just weeks earlier. Police are urging witnesses to come forward as they work to determine if the car was specifically targeted or if the gunfire involved stray rounds.

The details

Officers were called around 11:45 p.m. to the 3700 block of Petzinger Road, where they found the vehicle and its shaken occupants. Detectives with the Columbus Division of Police stayed on scene through the night and have opened an active investigation. Investigators have not announced any arrests and are still working to determine whether the car was specifically targeted or if the gunfire involved stray rounds.

  • The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Columbus Division of Police

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers

The organization that is urging witnesses to come forward with any information related to the shooting.

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What’s next

Investigators continue to gather evidence and urge witnesses to come forward as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in certain Columbus neighborhoods, underscoring the importance of community cooperation and vigilance in addressing these issues.