Screen image from police bodycam shows knife-wielding Ma’Kiah lunging at female moments before officer shoots her dead
No charges will be brought for the heroic Columbus police officer who fatally shot 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant as she tried to stab another girl in April 2021, WSYX reported.
“The jury decided to return a no bill which means they did not proceed with any criminal charges against officer Reardon and found no criminal act,” Fraternal Order of Police President Jeff Simpson said, according to the outlet. “That is pleasing to hear. It’s always sad when there is a loss of life, however, the actions of the people at scene, caused him to take action that saved lives and he is trained very well. He did his job, and it is a good outcome.”
Columbus Police Officer Nicholas Reardon fatally shot 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant in April 2021 with marksman accuracy.
The Daily Beast reported that Reardon is a US Air National Guardsman who received an expert marksman badge with an M-4 Carbine.
Officer Reardon
Reardon rolled up to a chaotic scene unfolding in the front yard of the home after two frantic 911 calls made to authorities warned of an attempted stabbing.
Screaming could be heard in the background as the 911 caller told the dispatcher that people were “over here trying to fight us, trying to stab us, trying to put their hands on our grandma.”
Reardon quickly assessed the situation and realized he had no choice but to discharge to his weapon in order to save lives.
Ma’Khia Bryant’s family is angry Officer Reardon wasn’t indicted.
Statement via ABC 6:
“Ma’Khia Bryant’s family is disappointed that a Franklin County grand jury declined to indict the officer who shot and killed her last year. Ma’Khia’s family has long wondered why this officer opted for lethal force even though there should have been other non-deadly options available to deal with this situation. We believe that the tragedy that ultimately resulted in Ma’Khia’s death started long before she was shot and killed by a Columbus police officer. There must be full-scale changes made to Ohio’s foster care system to ensure that this doesn’t happen to another child. We need to work tirelessly to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. Ohio’s foster care system is failing our children and we cannot stand by and allow this to continue. As the one-year anniversary of Ma’Khia’s death approaches, her family is resolute in their fight for justice on her behalf.”