Former Columbus K-9 officer pleads guilty to reckless homicide in 2022 shooting

Ricky Anderson, a former K-9 officer with the Columbus Police Department, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to reckless homicide for killing Donovan Lewis, 20, in August 2022. He entered an Alford plea, acknowledging that sufficient evidence exists for conviction while not admitting guilt, prompting the state to dismiss the murder charge. Police had entered Lewis’ apartment around 2 a.m. to arrest him on several warrants, including domestic-violence and firearm offenses.

Anderson’s defense argued the use of deadly force was justified, but body-camera footage reportedly shows a shot fired within a second of the bedroom door opening. Lewis’ family is pursuing a civil suit against the former officer. The U.S. Justice Department is reviewing Columbus Police Department practices after multiple fatal shootings of Black residents. Anderson’s sentencing, which could range from probation to three years in prison, will be determined later.