Video of a shootout at Kroger grocery store between police and Joseph Van Niman.
A suspect in an alleged drug deal was approached by police outside of the Colerain Township grocery store before he turned toward the officers with a gun drawn. Police officers fired upon the suspect before he ran into the store, firing back at officers.
HAMILTON COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE RE: JOSEPH VAN NIMAN SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announces charges against Joseph Van Niman for Colerain Kroger shooting.
HAMILTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR MELISSA POWERS ANNOUNCES CHARGES AGAINST JOSEPH VAN NIMAN FOR COLERAIN KROGER SHOOTING
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Joseph Van Niman (DOB: 11/11/1981) for the May 29th shooting at the Kroger Supermarket located at 3636 Springdale Road in Colerain Township.
Van Niman was indicted for three (3) counts of Attempted Murder (Felony 1) with firearm specifications and five (5) counts of Felonious.
Assault (Felony 2) with firearm specifications, one (1) count of Carrying Concealed Weapons (Felony 4), one (1) count of Having Weapons While Under Disability (Felony 3), one (1) count of Possession of Criminal Tools (Felony 5) with firearm specifications, and one (1) count of Inducing Panic (Felony 4) with firearm specifications. If convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 76 to 81.5 years in prison.
On May 29th, Colerain Township Police Officers were conducting a drug investigation in the area of Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road. During this investigation, officers observed Joseph Van Niman conduct what they believed to be a narcotics transaction. Colerain Officers followed Van Niman as he walked across the street and into the parking lot of the Kroger Store located at 3636 Springdale Road. When officers gave Van Niman verbal commands to stop, Van Niman turned towards officers with a firearm in hand and took a shooting stance.
Officers produced weapons, and Van Niman ran into the Kroger Store, taking cover near the entrance with his firearm still drawn. Van Niman and police exchanged gunfire from this position, with Van Niman stepping out multiple times while brandishing his firearm at officers. Additional officers approached from an alternate entrance, and Van Niman attempted to move deeper into the store. Before he could accomplish this, Van Niman was struck by one of the officer’s shots and fell to the ground. Officers placed Van Niman in custody and immediately began to provide life-saving measures. Officers also rendered medical assistance to a bystander who was struck by shrapnel during the exchange of gunfire. Both individuals were transported to the hospital for medical care.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “My office has a responsibility to review all use of force cases involving police, so I will limit my statements until that review is completed. To everyone who was present at the store that day, my heart breaks for you. No one should fear for their safety going out to buy groceries.
I want it known that we intend to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent possible for his actions. This defendant tried to take an officer’s life; we’re going to make sure his life ends in a prison cell.”