Fountain Square Shooting Suspect Also Linked to Northside Shooting Just Two Days Prior
Cincinnati police have released crucial video evidence related to a shooting that occurred on Fountain Square on October 13. The suspected shooter, Shaquille Ferguson, 24, has been linked to another shooting in Northside just two days prior, according to court documents.
Arraignment Details
Ferguson appeared in Hamilton County Municipal Court for his arraignment on October 20. Judge Jackie Ginocchio set his bond at a staggering $2.1 million for the Fountain Square incident. With an additional $500,000 bond from the Northside shooting, Ferguson now faces a combined bond totaling $2.6 million.
Charges and Evidence
Ferguson faces multiple charges, including:
- Felonious assault
- Improperly discharging a firearm
- Illegal firearms possession
He was already on probation for a previous aggravated assault conviction from July. The connection between the two shootings was established through a comparison of shell casings obtained from each crime scene, utilizing the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.
Details of the Fountain Square Shooting
During the Fountain Square incident on October 13, Ferguson reportedly shot a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old. Both victims were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Police indicated that a disagreement between two groups, occurring around 7:30 p.m., escalated into violence.
Northside Shooting Incident
The earlier shooting on October 11 took place on Spring Grove Avenue, where Ferguson allegedly opened fire using a 9mm handgun. Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper stated that the same weapon was utilized in both incidents, emphasizing Ferguson’s pattern of violent behavior.
Community and Leadership Response
The recent spike in crime in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown has raised concerns among city officials. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge’s leadership has come under scrutiny following several high-profile violent crimes. Although neither Mayor Aftab Pureval nor City Manager Sheryl Long has made any formal statements regarding potential changes in leadership, sources indicate ongoing negotiations related to Theetge’s position.
Legal Representation
Clyde Bennett II, Ferguson’s attorney, confirmed that his client surrendered to law enforcement on October 19 after becoming aware of the warrants for his arrest. Bennett has requested a lower bond, arguing it should not be set to accommodate public opinion or political motives. The case is scheduled for review by a grand jury by October 29 to determine if Ferguson will face felony prosecution in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.
