Jaquez Hoover : “Downtown Nightclub Shooting: Man Wanted by Police”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police are currently searching for an individual they believe is responsible for a tragic nightclub shooting that occurred downtown on Friday.

During the incident outside Avalon Nightclub, two individuals lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries just before 2 a.m.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Jaquez Hoover and have issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the shooting on the 500 block of 5th Avenue.

Surveillance footage released by the police on Friday helped in pinpointing Hoover as the prime suspect in the case.

The victims of the shooting have been identified as 27-year-old Desmond Taylor and 36-year-old Ceillin Ricard Peakes Smith.

Following the incident, two injured individuals were rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. Unfortunately, one of them, Ceilin Richard Peakes, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Another individual was taken to OSU East in stable condition, and both survivors are expected to recover.

Authorities believe that a dispute outside the club escalated into the tragic shooting incident.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Columbus Division of Police homicide unit at 614-546-4730.