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SOUTH CHARLESTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Deputies in Clark County recorded conversations with a scammer they said unintentionally orchestrated a deadly shooting with an Uber order and phone calls.

The scammer had been calling 81-year-old William Brock on March 25, telling him that one of his relatives was in jail and demanding money, according to the sheriff's office. Separately, the same scammer or an accomplice placed an order on Uber, sending 61-year-old Lo-Letha Hall to pick up a package at Brock's home west of South Charleston.

Hall was completely unarmed when she arrived, and wasn't aware of the calls Brock received before she came there, the sheriff's office said. A dashcam in her car recorded her trying to leave as Brock followed her and pointed a revolver at her. When deputies came to the home after Brock called and reported a robbery, they found Hall on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and the elderly man with injuries to his head and ear.

While emergency crews were at the scene, Brock's phone rang again. Detective Sheila Crews picked it up while a deputy's bodycam was rolling. After initial greetings and the caller asking who was on the line, they made comments revealing themself as the scammer. The man on the phone spoke without any apparent accent, and the voice did not appear to be computer-generated since he displayed natural stammering.

"May I ask who I'm talking to?" Crews asked.

"Yes, this is the officer speaking," the scammer said.

"Okay, what officer?" Crews said.

"Yes," the scammer said.

"No, I need to know what officer, sir," Crews said.

"You're gonna be in trouble," the scammer replied.

Crews then asked the scammer if he knew Hall, and he said yes. The detective then identified herself as an actual law enforcement official and told them that Hall had been in an "accident." But when she finished speaking, she realized the phone call had been disconnected.

Another bodycam recording showed the scammer calling Crews back, apologizing that the call disconnected. The scammer inquired further about Hall.

"No, uh, she's not doing well," Crews said

"Oh no," the scammer said.

Crews explained Hall was going to the hospital, and the scammer asked which one. But the detective said the scammer would have to come to Brock's home to talk to her before she would share that information.

"Okay, I'm gonna be there, give me 20 minutes?" the scammer asked.

He also asked where Brock was, and Crews said he was talking to the deputies.

The scammer never showed up at Brock's home, according to the sheriff's office. It said its team was investigating the scam calls and Uber app order that led to the shooting, and looking for the man or accomplices that coordinated the incident. But as of Tuesday, the sheriff's office had not shared any new details on the scammer.

Another deputy's bodycam recorded emergency crews' attempts to help Hall, as well as interviews with Brock while he sat in a deputy's car. Medical crews had removed some of the Uber driver's clothes to treat her gunshot wounds before loading her into an ambulance. Wind blowing on the bodycam's microphone obscured the majority of Brock's conversation with deputies, but he could be heard asking if medics were able to stabilize Hall after the shooting.

Lo-Letha Hall's dashcam in her car captured her attempting to leave as William Brock held her at gunpoint. (Courtesy Photo/Clark County Sheriff's Office)

Hall's obituary listed her as a Columbus native. Her funeral service took place on April 5 at a church on the Northeast Side.

Deputies later arrested Brock, and he faces charges including three counts of murder as well as one each of kidnapping and felonious assault, according to an indictment from Clark County Common Pleas Court. The sheriff's office argued that Hall wasn't an active threat to Brock, and he made no attempt to call for help during the confrontation either. Investigators accused him of shooting Hall as she tried to get in her car and leave.

Clark County Common Pleas Court records did not show any scheduled appearance for Brock as of Tuesday. However, a pre-trial order filed Friday said the court would issue a notice for pre-trial hearing and jury trial dates in the near future.

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus Zoo security and area authorities are on alert after six people allegedly stole one car and attempted to break into multiple others in the parking lot Monday afternoon.

According to a Delaware County Sheriff’s report, a deputy was dispatched to the Columbus Zoo on West Powell Road, where there were reports of several people running through the parking lot with hoods over their heads and masks on their face.

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A witness reported that the individuals were trying to break into or steal cars parked in the lot. Before the responding deputy arrived, the individuals allegedly left in a white Hyundai Sonata and an unidentified black sedan.

The incident report states that the witness was sitting in their car and observed four people checking vehicles and attempting to break into them. The witness said that the four people casing the parking lot were being followed by two cars with the drivers also wearing hoods and masks.

One of the cars reportedly had a window broken and the witness stated they could see weapons by the suspects' hips. The Columbus Zoo also reported it received at least two other calls to its guest relations desks regarding the suspects.

After the zoo closed, the sheriff’s office received another call from a person who said their car was missing from the lot. A description of the car matched that of the Hyundai Sonata which was reportedly being driven by one of the masked suspects.

The responding sergeant investigated the area and found documents belonging to the victim, including a W2 form, checks, bank statements and other documents, scattered near the parking lot exit.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery in Zanesville closes after more than 30 years

Zoo security shared that they observed the black vehicle entering the lot and then exiting three minutes later along with the Hyundai. Deputies were able to observe security camera footage, but they did not share it publicly, or if they found additional evidence.

The sheriff’s office asked anyone with information on this incident to call 740-833-2800 or email alee@co.delaware.oh.us.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Short North bar is closing after its lease went unrenewed to make way for a new development.

Mouton at 954 N. High St. will shut its doors soon, according to a social media post. In the announcement, bar owner Jonathan Klingler expressed his appreciation to the people of Columbus.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery in Zanesville closes after 30-plus years, but its story isn’t over

"From such simple beginnings to becoming a cherished cornerstone of the Columbus cocktail community, each cocktail shook, every glass poured, every smile exchanged, and every memory made has been a testament to the love and support Columbus has always shown us," Klingler said.

For more than a decade, the bar served a variety of cocktails, craft beers, wines, and even shared plates and bar snacks. Klingler thanked his staff for their hard work, creativity, and passion for the drink menu.

"You've poured your heart and soul into every cocktail, creating experiences that will be cherished by all who walked through our doors," Klingler said.

Worthington’s Buca di Beppo to close after 23 years, face bulldozer for new Chick-fil-A

Mouton said the bar is closing after its lease expired to make way for a new development with the adjacent space. Public records from the Franklin County Auditor's Office indicate the space is owned by a B B R Holdings LLC, which owns properties at 952 through 958 N. High St.

A final closing date will be announced in the coming weeks, according to Mouton's post.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Evening rain showers, high 65
• Tonight: Showers continue, low 48
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 56 (33)
• Thursday: Mainly sunny, high 60 (39)
• Friday: Chance of rain showers, high 74 (59)
• Saturday: Isolated t-storms, high 79 (63)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Central Ohio will finally se temperatures close to average for this time of year, but this will be short lived. Highs will reach the mid-upper 60s this afternoon. A cold front will bring rain showers that will move across the area starting late this afternoon. Along with the rain showers, breezy conditions will last the rest of the day.

Tonight into early Wednesday morning rain showers will continue. Close to a quarter inch of rain will fall, bringing Columbus’s total precipitation totals for April close to 6 inches. Winds will remain breezy at times overnight as the cold front moves through.

Tomorrow will be noticeably chillier. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning temperatures will fall close to the freezing point. A rebound in temps starts heading towards this weekend. More rain and a few thunderstorms will move through the weekend. During this time highs will top off in the mid 70s Friday and close to the 80 degree mark between Saturday, Sunday, & Monday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - With spring in full swing, many farmers markets across central Ohio are opening up for residents to buy local produce and goods from vendors. Below is a list of markets, where they are located and when you can visit.

Franklin County

Bexley Farmers Market

• May 16-Oct. 24, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at East Main and Dawson Ave.

Bronzeville Growers Market

• July 11-Sept. 26, Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at 925 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Canal Winchester Farmers Market

• May 25-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 100 N. High St.

Clintonville Farmers Market

• April 27-Nov. 23, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 3535 N. High St.

Dublin Market at Bridge Park

• May 4-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6741 Longshore St.

German Village Farmers Market

• April 21-Dec. 8, Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1108 City Park Ave.

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market

• May 11-Sept. 14, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 3444 Park St.

Groveport Farmers Market

• July 18-Sept. 12, Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at 551 Wirt Rd.

Hilliard Farm Market

• May 21-Sept. 3, Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 5445 Scioto Darby Rd.

New Albany Farmers Market

• June 6-Aug. 29, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 202 E. Market St.

Pearl Market in Downtown Columbus

• May 16-Oct.10, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gay Street and Pearl St.

Reynoldsburg Farmers Market

• June 6-Aug. 29, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 7232 E. Main St.

Upper Arlington Farmers Market

• May 15-Oct. 23, Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 2140 Tremont Center

Westerville Farmers Market

• May 18-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 21 S. State St.

Worthington Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Old Worthington Historic District

Delaware County

Main Street Delaware Farmers Market

• May 25-Oct. 26, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 20 E. William St.

Lewis Center Market on Orange

• July 2-Aug. 27, Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3467 E. Orange Rd.

Powell Farmers Market

• May 25-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 240 N. Liberty St.

Sunbury Farmers Market

• May 25-Sept. 28, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 51 E. Cherry St.

Whitehall Market on the Green

• June 11-Aug. 27, Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 105 Norton Park Dr.

Fairfield County

Baltimore Farmers Market

• June 4-Sept., Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 8865 Lancaster-Kirkersville Rd.

Lancaster Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Chestnut Street, between Broad St. and North Columbus St.

Pickerington Farmers Market

• June-September, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at 89 N. Center St.

Licking County

Granville Farmers Market

• May 4-Oct. 26, Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 1225 River Rd.

Pataskala Farmers Market

• Dates and times to be announced, 337 S. Main St.

Madison County

Madison County Farmers Market

• June-Sept., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 300 Lafayette St. in London

Plain City Farmers Market

• Season kickoff on July 4 from 9a.m. to noon
• Thursdays from July 11-October 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 101 S. Chillicothe St.

Union County

Union County Farmers Market

• May 18-Oct. 5, Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 125 E. 6th St. in Marysville

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio pizzeria known for New York-style pies announced it's closing after more than 30 years of business.

Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery at 1250 Maple Ave. in Zanesville permanently shuttered on March 24, co-owners Antonino Russo and Vincenzo Buzzetta shared on social media. Russo and Buzzetta's other longtime Picnic Pizza location in the Colony Square Mall will remain open, one of two original remaining stores that opened with the mall in 1981.

"We are so thankful for being able to serve our customers at the Italian Eatery since 1992, but now we want to be able to spend more time with our families," the social media post said. "We are still serving our original pizza products at the Colony Square Mall shop, and hope to see all of our loyal Italian Eatery customers there."

Express files for bankruptcy, plans to close over 100 stores Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery at 1250 Maple Ave. in Zanesville permanently shuttered on March 24. (Courtesy Photo/Picnic Pizza Italian Eatery)

Picnic Pizza's closing came as Zamarelli's Pizza Palace at 4011 Front St. in Grove City closed earlier this month after 61 years in business. The restaurant opened to customers in 1963 under Andy Zamarelli, offering customers a variety pizza, subs and salads and other Italian dishes including spaghetti, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan and more.

Meanwhile, several other pizza eateries are opening in central Ohio this spring and summer. Tony's Pizza at 946 Galloway Road in Galloway is welcoming patrons after opening on April 2, taking over the former location of OH Pizza and Brew which moved to its downtown spot at 88 E. Broad St. in 2018.

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JT’s Pizza and Pub is opening a new pizzeria at 845 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights this summer, partnering with Elford Development to open the location at the Southern Station apartment complex. The shop, known for its pizza, wings, calzones and more, also operates a Columbus location at 2390 W. Dublin Granville Rd.

In addition, Ronetti’s Pizza at 23 South Main Street in London has expanded with a food truck traveling across central Ohio. Not only will the food truck serve pizza and subs, but customers can also buy from Layla’s Sweet Treats Ice Cream as well.

Watch a previous report on the proposed apartment complex for the Summit United Methodist Church property in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A developer has new plans for Ohio State-area student housing on the site of a now-closed church – and letters of support from the church and nearby residents to match.

Chicago-based UP Campus Properties has submitted its latest proposal for an apartment complex geared toward Ohio State students at the fork of East 16th and Waldeck avenues. The complex, now planned to be five stories and house more than 300 residents, would replace the now-vacant Summit United Methodist Church.

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The version slated for review by the University Impact District Review Board on Thursday is at least the fourth version UP Campus and Columbus architect group MA Design has drawn up since last August. In December, the review board was concerned that the then-6-story proposal would tower over the neighboring three-story duplexes and other student rental housing.

• A digital rendering of townhouses on East 16th Avenue as part of a proposed apartment complex on the site of Summit United Methodist Church. (Photo Courtesy/MA Design and UP Campus Properties via University Impact District Review Board)
• A digital rendering the entrance to a proposed apartment complex on the site of Summit United Methodist Church. (Photo Courtesy/MA Design and UP Campus Properties via University Impact District Review Board)
• A digital rendering of the Waldeck Avenue façade of a proposed apartment complex for the site of Summit United Methodist Church. (Photo Courtesy/MA Design and UP Campus Properties via University Impact District Review Board)

The updated designs show a main entrance to the complex at the fork between the avenues with a mostly brick façade and balconies on each floor. An entrance to a semi-automated parking garage would be on Waldeck Avenue, while three 4-story townhouse-style units would line the East 16th Avenue edge of the property. 

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According to the application, the complex would be 76 units and house up to 317 residents, not including the duplex next door. Renderings show mostly 4-bedroom units, with some 6-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units as well.

• Digital rendering of the ground-floor plan of an apartment complex proposed for the site of Summit United Methodist Church near Ohio State University. (Photo Courtesy/MA Design and UP Campus Properties via University Impact District Review Board)
• Digital rendering of the second-floor plan of an apartment complex proposed for the site of Summit United Methodist Church near Ohio State University. (Photo Courtesy/MA Design and UP Campus Properties via University Impact District Review Board)

In the updated renderings, the neighboring duplex on East 16th Avenue would be preserved. Original plans had called for its demolition, but the review board asked for it to be maintained, if possible, because of its age.

UP Campus included in its application a handful of letters of support, including from the landlord of a duplex next to the property and the pastor of Summit United Methodist Church. In her letter, Pastor Allyssa Graves said the church building had reached the end of its usable life and the church hoped to sell the property.

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“Students have lived in our neighborhood for generations and will continue to do so,” Graves wrote. “Replacing our property with high-quality housing is the highest and best use for the property and will be a great addition to the neighborhood.”

Several students, including members of nearby sororities and other student groups, also signed letters of support.

UP Campus Properties is asking for several zoning variances, including an allowance for the building to be 65 feet high and to reduce the required on-site parking from 337 to 96.

WORTHINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio Buca di Beppo restaurant open for more than 23 years is set to be demolished after the site was bought for $2.5 million by Chick-fil-A.

The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain on April 17, Franklin County auditor's office records show. While the restaurant remains open with a shuttering date yet to be announced, the location's closing will dwindle Buca di Beppo to three Ohio eateries: one in downtown Columbus, another in Strongsville and a third near Cincinnati.

Second Gahanna Sheetz proposal may be headed toward failure

Neither Chick-fil-A nor Buca di Beppo responded to NBC4's request for comment regarding the Worthington property, which has been home to the Italian restaurant since 2001.

• The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain on April 17. (Worthington Planning and Building Commission)
• The Italian restaurant at 60 E. Wilson Bridge in Worthington was purchased by the fast food chain on April 17. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Plans call for the Buca di Beppo to be bulldozed to clear the site for construction of a 5,000 square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant, a proposal filed with the city of Worthington states. Once finished, the building will sport an aesthetic matching the neighborhood with a dual-lane drive-thru covered by two canopies.

Bucca di Beppo marks one of several Columbus-area restaurants to be demolished for a new Chick-fil-A, like Mackenzie River at 1515 Polaris Parkway which closed earlier this year after eight years in business. The restaurant launched in 2016 after Montana-based Glacier Restaurant Group purchased all Max and Erma's locations and transformed several into Mackenzie River eateries.

See which Family Dollar stores in central Ohio are among those closing around the state

Tee Jaye's Country Place at 4910 N. High St. closed in 2021 to make way for a new Chick-fil-A, which opened earlier this month. Construction at this site included preserving the site's 20th-century sign that has received a facelift with Chick-fil-A branding.

Other central Ohio restaurants facing a bulldozer for new development include a former Max and Erma's restaurant at 7480 Sawmill Road in Dublin making room for a Sheetz location. Max and Erma's Montana-based owner, Glacier Restaurant Group, closed the Sawmill Road location and the brand's other Dublin restaurant at 411 Metro Place North in 2020.

A former O’Charley’s near Polaris will undergo a $1.5 million renovation to become the first Ohio restaurant for Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse with locations across the globe. The location will add to the steakhouse’s collection of nearly 100 restaurants in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the Middle East, the U.S. and more.

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – A real estate group has applied to build a Sheetz in Gahanna for the second time, with the project once again possibly headed toward failure. 

Skilken Gold Real Estate Development proposed a Sheetz gas station and convenience store at 230 Granville St., previously home to the permanently closed restaurant Coaches. The company's application shows the Sheetz building would be located toward the back of the 4.63-acre lot, with no drive-thru onsite. The project also proposes installing a sidewalk from Granville Street to Shull Park. 

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• (Photo Courtesy/City of Gahanna)
• (Photo Courtesy/City of Gahanna)

In a staff review, Gahanna’s planning commission recommended disapproval of all three design proposals submitted by the company. The commission states the proposals are not consistent with recommendations from the city’s land use plan, which emphasizes walkability and pedestrians being “a focal point of design.”

Former Gahanna mayor Jim McGregor said on social media that while he hopes Gahanna will have a Sheetz one day, the proposed location is not appropriate. 

“Shull Park bustles with children coming to and leaving athletic games,” McGregor said in a Facebook post. “Bicycles, foot traffic and cars hurry about the grounds. Present adjacent business activities are busy at lunch and after work, but generally quiescent at other times. A fuel station draws a constant turbulence of traffic. This is incompatible with the safety of the children.”

See which Family Dollar stores in central Ohio are among those closing around the state

Last year, Skilken Gold attempted to bring a Sheetz to Gahanna on a plot between Johnstown Road and Morse Road. In March 2023, the city’s planning commission shot down three design proposals for the building.

Numerous residents spoke out against the project, citing FBI statistics about how convenience stores and gas stations are high on the list of likely locations for violent crime and concerns about traffic.

The resistance to the new Gahanna addition comes as Sheetz faces a federal discrimination lawsuit. The company opened its first central Ohio store in 2021, and has since expanded to 14 more central Ohio locations, according to its website. The planning commission will review the Granville Street Sheetz proposal at a meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m., to approve or deny the plan.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Showers later, breezy, high 66
• Tonight: Rain showers, low 47
• Wednesday: Slow clearing, breezy, high 55
• Thursday: Frosty start, mostly sunny, high 62
• Friday: Increasing clouds, rain late, high 72
• Saturday: Sct'd t-storms, high 77

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Tuesday!

We start the day off on a dry note, with increasing cloud coverage throughout the morning and afternoon. Highs warm into the middle 60s today, with breezy conditions. Then later, a cold front moves in, bringing rain with it. These showers arrive during the late-afternoon, early-evening timeframe, before eventually clearing up early Wednesday morning.

Outside of an isolated shower early Wednesday, we will see slow clearing of the clouds. We hang onto the breeze Wednesday, and highs drop back to the middle 50s.

Wednesday night into Thursday morning will be another day where frost is expected, as morning lows dip back close to freezing. So cover the plants if you've got them outside! Thursday afternoon we warm back into the lower 60s, under mainly sunny skies.

We kick off a big warming trend going into the weekend. Starting Friday, with highs in the lower 70s under increasing cloud coverage. A few showers then push in late and overnight into Saturday.

We'll see scattered thunderstorm chances this weekend, as our southerly flow increases our moisture, and also increases our temperatures.

-McKenna

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio has the eighth-highest infant mortality rate in the country, according to the CDC, but the numbers are even worse when you look at the breakdown by race.

However, a Columbus non-profit and its partners are working to address this. CelebrateOne’s grant cycle is coming to an end and it’s getting ready to announce the next round of recipients.

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CelebrateOne data shows the disparity ratio almost doubled in 2023.

"I think largely we know that the largest factor that contributes to the disparity is racism, and I think sometimes that's really difficult for folks to sit with because how do you get your hands around what that looks like?" CelebrateOne Executive Director Danielle Tong said. "For Black women, the one resounding statement that happens over and over again is that people don't feel heard or listened to by their providers."

In 2021, the CDC said Ohio saw the fourth-highest number of infant deaths.

CelebrateOne is getting ready to announce a new batch of grant recipients, and the groups they are supporting now are still hard at work trying to bring the number down.

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"It's a really terrible issue here in Ohio," Moms2B Medical Director Dr. Kamilah Dixon said. 

That issue is something that is impacting Black families at a higher rate. CelebrateOne’s 2023 numbers show the infant mortality rate for Black babies is four times higher than white babies.

"The way that CelebrateOne looks at this is in each of the interactions with the various systems that our families interact with throughout the duration of their pre-pregnancy through postpartum," Tong said.

It’s a big issue to tackle, but one the organization isn’t doing on its own.

"We know that to be able to change that rate, we have to go beyond the exam room,” Dixon said. “So our program meets our moms where they are in the community.”

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Moms2B focuses on educating and helping mothers. Dads2B does the same for the fathers.

"While there had been a lot of work done around infant mortality as it relates to educating mom on how to have a healthy pregnancy, there hadn't been any focus on fathers," founder and CEO of Urban Family Development Center David Fluellen said. 

Dads2B wants to make sure support is coming from all sides.

"We encourage dads to not just take mom to the prenatal visit, but actually park the car, get out, go in and be a part of the visit," Fluellen said.

It’s a team of many organizations, working to keep babies and their families healthy.

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CelebrateOne’s past grant cycle helped 11 organizations.

"One of the benefits of renewing that cycle every two years is to help us stay current and fresh on the organizations that are doing this work,” Tong said. “So there are many, many people invested in this mission, and we're grateful for that.”

CelebrateOne is also working to address the maternal mortality rate. This is another area they are seeing racial disparities, with Black mothers dying around three times more than white mothers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When some of the nation's best in men's gymnastics competed on the campus of Ohio State for a national championship, the meet proved to be about much more than a competition.

While there were plenty of trophies at stake, the first-ever NCAA championship meet at the Covelli Center was also a reunion of sorts for some former Buckeyes who became Olympians. And more importantly, it was a celebration of the past and the present.

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The two-day meet marked the fifth time in program history, and the first since 2016 at St. John Arena, that Ohio State men's gymnastics had a home crowd to compete for a national championship.

"This. This arena. This place. This family. The people in the stands, my team. It's why I came back," Buckeyes graduate gymnast Donovan Hewitt said. "It's super cool for me."

And among the many Buckeye alumni in the stands at Covelli was Tokyo 2020 Olympian Alec Yoder.

"It's great. This is the first time that I've been back to Columbus in the past two years since I moved so for us to be out here, supporting the guys at NCAAs tonight is pretty special," Yoder said.

The 2019 NCAA champion in pommel horse, Yoder is glad the competitive chapter of his life is behind him. But he doesn't mind a trip down memory lane.

"I come back and look at it from this lens and it's cool to remember what it was like," Yoder said. "So I tell them to enjoy it, have fun and leave it all out there."

Yoder wasn't the only former Buckeye back on campus. Three-time Olympian and Columbus native Blaine Wilson presented some of the trophies for this year's meet, which brought back his own fond memories of victory.

"In all the meets that I can say that I'm proud of, it's winning a national championship here in 1996 with my team at The Ohio State University," Wilson said. "That resonates I think way more than, for me, the Olympic Games."

Ohio State finished sixth in the team competition thanks in part to the performances of five gymnasts who became All-Americans at the meet. But Buckeyes past and present weren't the only ones that enjoyed Covelli as a championship venue. Just ask Thom Glielmi, the head coach of Stanford, which captured its fifth consecutive NCAA title.

"This venue is phenomenal. This should be the Omaha of men's gymnastics, like what Omaha is for baseball because this is great. Great facility," Glielmi said. "And they did a phenomenal job hosting."

HILLSBORO, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 15-year-old boy has died two days after a crash in Highland County.

Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) said Addison Howard, of Peebles, died Monday at Miami Valley Hospital from injuries he sustained in the Saturday morning crash. Two other teens, the 17-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger, were also injured.

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OSHP said the crash happened on State Route 73 at approximately 7:20 a.m. when the car, a 2014 Ford Focus, was driving southeast on the road and failed to negotiate a curve. The car drove off the road, hitting a mailbox and a tree.

The driver, a girl from Hillsboro, suffered serious injuries and was flown to Miami Valley Hospital. The other passenger, a boy from Peebles, was taken to Highland District Hospital and treated for his injuries.

The state patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash.

OSHP was assisted at the scene by the Highland County Sheriff's Office, Miami Valley CareFlight, Paint Creek Fire and EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Republican lawmakers want to ensure that Ohio has the option to tap into the state's natural gas resources.  

House Bill 349, sponsored by Reps. Don Jones (R-Freeport) and Tim Barhorst (R- Fort Loramie), would create an interest loan fund to the tune of $20 million.

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“To incentivize [natural gas companies] to get infrastructure pipelines in the ground,” Jones said. “There’s just not enough volume to our existing lines that we have.”

Jones said they are eyeing the next budget cycle for that appropriation but are working with the Department of Development in the meantime.

The loan would help natural gas companies that are looking to get the rights to natural gas pipeline easements on property located within a designated “EnergizeOhio” zone.

Jones said opting into the program would be up to local governments.

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“If the pros outweigh the cons for that area, you’ll see local entities take advantage of it,” Jones said. “It is not a mandate, just an opportunity.”

He said the bill is important to ensure economic development and a good quality of life can continue, especially in rural areas. And Jones said without expanding our energy production, Ohio faces possible brownouts and blackouts down the line.

“We know electricity demands are getting greater. We’ve got Intel coming in, that’s going to take a lot of energy out of the grid,” Jones said. “Twelve years ago, we were generating more power than we were using, we were selling it to other states. Today, we are buying it from other states.”

“There are a lot of ways to ensure we have reliable power. One way is simply ensuring we have a more efficient energy grid,” managing director of energy policy for the Ohio Environmental Council Actin Fund Nolan Rutschilling said. “There are a lot of things we can do before we start building new pipelines or subsidizing new pipelines.”

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Jones said between southeast Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania, we are sitting on the third-largest reserve of natural gas in the world.

The bill would also reduce property taxes for natural gas companies.

“We think, frankly, that’s insulting to the Ohioans who are seeing rising property taxes of their own,” Rutschilling said. “These companies have the ability already to build these pipelines to build these gasolines. They don’t need more bailouts; they don’t need more reductions in taxes while regular people are trudging to get by.”

“It does give a tax break to these companies because building pipeline is not cheap and we’ve not expanded our infrastructure,” Jones said.

Rutschilling points out other legislation that has recently passed the statehouse to allow gas companies to add extra fees onto bills. Rutschilling said he thinks there are ways to expand the state’s energy infrastructure without going down this bill's path.

“We think the way to move forward is through clean energy, reliable grid and not more fossil fuel bailouts,” he said. “For solar, for wind, for battery storage, its increasingly more and more cost-effective than even natural gas.”

Central Ohio theft ring appears to be part of larger issue, law enforcement says

To use natural gas, a technique called “fracking,” is used. The state recently enacted a bill to allow fracking in state parks. But, if this new bill is enacted, could you see fracking where you live?

“Will [Ohioans] see a pipeline going through their property? Absolutely. Once the pipeline is in the ground and the infrastructure is established, there will be very little disruption,” Jones said. “Anything is bad if you want to find a fault with it. And fracking is something that has come a long way in how they do the process.”

Jones said a one-time infrastructure project could, in some ways, be better than hauling equipment throughout the state highways and roads. But Rutschilling said he is still concerned about the potential impacts expanded natural gas could have. He said while economic development is important, there are ways to do it without also threatening more pollution.

“There’s potential for gas leaks and emissions to be released into the environment,” Rutschilling said.

“There’s always the ‘what ifs’ and that does exist, and we have to acknowledge that, but we also have to acknowledge that we have thousands, probably millions of pipelines in the ground right now and our problems have been very, very minimal,” Jones said.

The bill has its second hearing on Tuesday.

Jones said House Republican leadership has not “expressed any angst” with the legislation, but said it is likely not on the top of the priority list to pass before the end of this year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  – The Columbus Division of Police is asking for the community's help in finding out who shot and killed a 13-year-old boy.

It has been more than a week since Angel Diaz was found in the 1300 Block of E. Hudson Street. He was found in an alley in the area, according to investigators. They said a white 2008-2012 Ford Escape with a black bumper and temporary tags was in the area that night. They want to talk with whoever was in it.

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"Right now, all we’re looking for is maybe some information they have," Commander Mark Denner said. "We’re not saying they are suspects. That vehicle was seen in the area so we’re hoping we can get some details, maybe what they saw, what they heard, maybe what they know. That might help this case and help this family."

Denner asked anyone who recognizes the vehicle or has connections to it to reach out to police. Neighbors in the area have also been asked to check their surveillance video and share anything that looks odd.

"No information is too little, and we’ll follow up on whatever that is, we owe it to Mr. Diaz, we owe it to the family, we owe it to this community and we want to do everything we can, which is why we're kind of all out doing every option we can to see what we can explore and solve this case," Denner said. 

Investigators are specifically looking for video between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on April 14. Fliers were also handed out in the area. They have contact information for the lead detective and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers on them. There's also a QR code which can be used to send video to investigators.

Central Ohio theft ring appears to be part of larger issue, law enforcement says

"It impacts everybody," Denner said. "It impacts the community, the Linden community specifically in this case, Mr. Diaz's family who is trying to grieve through this process. It impacts our investigators who are becoming close to this investigation and wanting to solve that. It impacts everybody so that's why we’re asking everyone to be a part of this."

Detective Russ Weiner, the lead detective, can be reached at 614-645-2169 or RJWeiner@columbuspolice.org. The number for Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is 614-461-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police said a stolen car crashed in the Downtown section of the city Monday afternoon, leading to one person being arrested.

The crash happened near Long Street and 4th Street just before 6 p.m. after a chase involving police.

See which Family Dollar stores in central Ohio are among those closing around the state

Police believe the car, an Audi, was stolen in Dublin.

One person is in custody; police do not know at this time how many suspects were involved in the theft.

Roads are expected to be closed in the area, but a police dispatcher did not know what those closures would be.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Six local Family Dollar locations will close after its parent company announced plans to shut down hundreds of stores nationwide.

About 600 Family Dollar stores will close in the first half of fiscal 2024, the company announced in March. An additional 370 stores will be shut down as leases expire over the next few years. A WARN notice -- which requires employers with 100 or more employees provide 60 days notice before closing -- submitted by Family Dollar to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services revealed that 35 Ohio locations would be impacted.

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Local counties with Family Dollar store locations closing include Coshocton, Franklin and Guernsey. In Franklin County, four Columbus locations will close: 2372 Cleveland Ave., 3577 E. Livingston Ave., 675 E. Hudson St., and 2191 E. 5th Ave.. In Coshocton County, the Conesville location will close. And in Guernsey County, the Cumberland location location will close.

Here's a list of the Family Dollar locations closing in Ohio.

Allen County

• 2101 Central Point Parkway, Lima

Ashtabula County

• 2138 State Route 45, Austinburg

Brown County

• 519 S. 2nd St., Ripley

Butler County

• 650 N. University Blvd., Middletown
• 511 S. Breiel Blvd., Middletown
• 199 S. Riverside Drive, New Miami

Clermont County

• 531 W. Plane St., Bethel

Columbiana County

• 615 Walnut St., East Liverpool

Coshocton County

• 16160 Township Road 287, Conesville

Cuyahoga County

• 9302 Miles Ave., Cleveland
• 1250 E. 105th St., Cleveland

Franklin County

• 2372 Cleveland Ave., Columbus
• 3577 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus
• 675 E. Hudson St., Columbus
• 2191 E. 5th Ave., Columbus

Gallia County

• 8920 State Route 160, Bidwell

Guernsey County

• 349 Cambridge St. N., Cumberland

Hamilton County

• 7990 Reading Road, Cincinnati
• 5527 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati
• 3407 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati
• 229 Waycross Road, Cincinnati
• 8050 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy

Jefferson County

• 360 N. Main St., Amsterdam

Mahoning County

• 4450 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown
• 15978 Cleveland-East Liverpool Road, Beloit
• 11045 Main St., New Middletown
• 8578 Market St., Youngstown

Meigs County

• 930 Elm St., Raccine

Lake County

• 6704 N. Ridge Road, Madison

Lorain County

• 400 Oberlin Road, Elyria

Lucas County

• 1121 N. Reynolds Road, Toledo

Montgomery County

• 440 N. James H. McGee Blvd., Dayton

Sciota County

• 7731 State Route 139, Lucasville

Summit County

• 19 N. Arlington St., Akron
• 580 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron

Watch a previous NBC4 report on H.B. 68 in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A ruling by a Franklin County judge to temporarily block a law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth is being challenged in the Ohio Supreme Court, Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Monday.

Yost filed an emergency motion on Monday arguing that Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook "overstepped his judicial authority" when he issued a two-week temporary restraining order on April 16 to block House Bill 68. The legislation would prohibit Ohio's children's hospitals from providing treatment like hormone therapy to trans minors and was set to take effect on April 24.

"One judge from one county does not have more power than the governor's veto pen," Yost said, asking the state's Supreme Court to "narrow the injunction and order Holbrook to act within the limits of his judicial authority."

Holbrock's ruling followed a lawsuit by the ACLU against the measure filed in March on behalf of two families whose children are at risk of losing access to their healthcare. The temporary restraining order is to be in effect for 14 days or until the hearing of the ACLU’s motion for a preliminary injunction.

The legal challenge came after the Statehouse voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of the legislation. DeWine decided to reject the bill after visiting several children’s hospitals, arguing “parents should make these decisions and not the government.”

Yost argues Holbrook "acted beyond the scope of his power" because the law contains several other provisions beyond gender-affirming care, like also banning trans athletes' participation in women's sports. It was "illegal" for Holbrock to place the entire law on hold when "the plaintiffs in the case include just two families who are affected by only certain medical provisions of the law."

"Judicial rules for common pleas courts state that preliminary injunctions can be broad only enough to protect the plaintiffs in a case," said Yost's office. "Yost's motion notes how Holbrook’s overly broad injunction not only is illegal but also harms Ohioans by preventing the protective law from taking effect."

The ACLU had previously argued H.B. 68's multiple provisions are what make the law unconstitutional. The organization said the law violates the Ohio Constitution’s single-subject rule, requiring bills to only be about one topic. The two measures had been separate bills before Ohio House legislators combined them in June last year.

"I think the judge made the right call," said Maria Bruno, public policy director of Equality Ohio, when Holbrook granted the temporary hold. "We are obviously relieved that families have a few more weeks without their care being cut off. We also know this is a temporary solution so we, of course, anxiously await the ultimate result of the case."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man was hospitalized after four people allegedly were involved in kidnapping and robbing him in January.

According to a Columbus police incident report a man traveled to Zanesville with another man to pick up two others. They all returned to a parking lot near Trillium Lane in Reynoldsburg, where the victim said he was repeatedly tased and forced back into the rear of his 2005 Buick LeSabre.

The victim told police a fifth person entered the vehicle, where the group coerced the victim into providing his home address. They reportedly went to the victim’s home, where he was repeatedly tased and given a haircut against his will.

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Police said the suspects stole clothing from the residence and forced the victim to purchase a hotel room on his credit card at a Motel 6. The victim was able to escape three days later and fled to Riverside Methodist Hospital, where he was treated for frostbite.

Nickalus Bailey, 21, was arrested Saturday and charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and kidnapping, all first-degree felonies. He was issued a $250,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 29.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fashion retailer headquartered in Columbus with over 500 stores in the U.S. will now close over 100 of them.

Express, whose portfolio includes Bonobos and UpWest, filed for bankruptcy and plans to close 95 Express stores and all 10 of its UpWest stores. The company did not specify which Express locations will be shut down, but said closing sales at the affected stores are expected to begin Tuesday.

The company said the remaining stores will continue business as usual, with gift cards and store credits being redeemed in stores. All the company’s online channels and apps will also continue to accept orders. 

Central Ohio theft ring appears to be part of larger issue, law enforcement says

In a news release, Express claimed the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was to “facilitate the sale” of most of its operations to an investor group, which includes WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Subject to court approval, Express said it received a letter of intent from the investors to buy the assets. 

Express currently has 11 locations in Ohio, with a store in both Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place. The state is home to one Bonobos store in the Victorian Village neighborhood. The company did not share the fate of these locations as of Monday. None of the UpWest stores are located in Ohio. Limited Brands opened the first Express store in Chicago in 1980.