Family and friends of an 18-year-old man who was shot and killed by a Columbus police sergeant are condemning the sergeant's actions and are pushing back against the implication that the man was involved in an armed robbery.

Ta'Shawn Davis, a graduate of Dublin Coffman High School, was shot and killed Oct. 12 by a Columbus police sergeant who was responding to a report of an armed robbery around 3:20 a.m. in the University District. Columbus police have refused to identify the officer, citing Marsy's Law, a state law meant to shield the identities of crime victims.

At an Oct. 16 media briefing, Columbus police Chief Elaine Bryant refused to say how the sergeant, a 14-year veteran of the police division, was a victim in connection with the shooting.

Friends and family who spoke with The Dispatch did not want their names published out of privacy concerns. Jayden, 19, who identified himself as Davis' stepbrother, criticized the officer who shot Davis for resorting to lethal force so quickly, emphasizing that Davis was running away from the officer and didn't pose a threat to him.