COLUMBUS — A man is facing four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a shooting Friday afternoon in neighboring Colorado County that left one person injured and prompted a large law enforcement response near the Columbus Animal Clinic.

According to the Columbus Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 5:04 p.m. Friday, July 10, to the 900 block of Walnut Street after receiving a report that a caller had witnessed one person shooting another.  

Officers located the suspect within minutes. With assistance from the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was taken into custody. Authorities said the suspect resisted arrest, leading deputies to deploy a TASER before the individual was restrained, disarmed and taken into custody without further incident.  

Police identified the suspect as Robert Jerome Axel, 50, of Columbus.

Before EMS arrived, first responders and bystanders rendered aid to the victim, who suffered a gunshot wound. The victim was then transported by Colorado County EMS for additional medical treatment. Police said the victim was in stable condition at the time the news release was issued.  

Investigators said a nearby business owner witnessed the incident and discharged a firearm at the suspect in an effort to stop the ongoing threat. According to police, the business owner’s actions prevented the suspect from advancing farther into the targeted occupied business, potentially protecting additional people inside. The circumstances surrounding that portion of the incident remain under investigation.  

Robert Jerome Axel was booked into the Colorado County Jail on four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Columbus Police Department at 979-732-3351. Police noted that all persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.