Crime & Safety

82nd Airborne Soldier Killed in Ohio Shootout

Police believe Juvon Williams killed his girlfriend before fleeing, and then opened fire on police.

An 82nd Airborne Division soldier who fled after allegedly killing his girlfriend Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, was killed in a shootout with officers.

Pfc. Juvon William, 19, a soldier with the 82nd Airborne, was killed by officers at about 3 a.m. Friday, according to an Ohio police report. Williams was scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan on Friday.

Williams was an AH-64 Apache helicopter repairman with 1st Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, according to the 82nd Airborne Division.

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The search for Williams began on Thursday night, when the body of his girlfriend, Leigh Belyn, 18, was found in the trunk of a car, according to a 10TV News.

A friend of the Williams family said Williams pounded on the door Thursday evening, was crying hysterically, and said he shot Belyn.

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At one point, the friend said Williams fell to his knees, put a gun to his head and threatened to shoot himself.  When the friend called 911, Williams fled.

The shooting happened after a 30-minute chase that ended when officers used their cruisers to stop Williams' car. Witnesses said Williams refused to surrender and opened fire at police.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured and the shooting remains under investigation.

According to the 82nd Airborne Division, Williams joined the Army in August 2010. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in March.


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