Two Cincinnati officers on leave after weekend shootings

CINCINNATI — A teenager carrying a concealed handgun was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer at Fountain Square on Saturday.

For the second time in as many days, gunfire involving police erupted in two popular and populated places in Cincinnati. On Friday, Cincinnati officer Charles Knapp shot Christopher Foster, 23, near Findlay Market after Foster allegedly pulled out a gun and started firing at the officer. Foster was listed in critical but stable condition Sunday. On Saturday, at the crowded Fountain Square, Davon Mullins, 16, was fatally shot in the chest by Officer Oscar Cyranek. Police said Mullins also pulled a gun and had his finger on the trigger.

Both officers Knapp and Cyranek have been put on paid administrative leave, said Cincinnati police Sgt. Danita Kilgore.

Cincinnati police held a press conference late Sunday afternoon. Officials said Saturday’s shooting occurred after off-duty officers noticed a group of teenagers recovering weapons that had been thrown over a fence to bypass security at the Black Family Reunion at Sawyer Pointe.

On-duty officers followed the teenagers as they walked toward the downtown area.

Kilgore said Cyranek was on duty by Fountain Square and had heard the report on the radio. The officer saw the group and noticed Mullins was holding the side of his pants leg.

Upon approaching the teenager, Kilgore said Mullins did not cooperate with Cyranek and a two-minute struggle ensued. Mullins pulled out a 9mm handgun with his finger on the trigger; he was shot in the chest and died at University Hospital later, Kilgore said.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Police Chief James Craig offered their condolences to Mullins’ family.

“Our organization values life and the loss of life is a tragic occurrence that requires a complete and thorough investigation,” Craig said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.

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