Despite a show of support from former Ohio State athletes, a judge on Thursday refused to set bond for a man accused of shooting two police officers during a raid last month.
Derrick Foster, who played football at Ohio State from 1988 to 1992, has been in custody at the Franklin County Jail since the officers were wounded on April 30, 10TV’s Patrick Bell reported.
Police were conducting a raid at a suspected crack house on East Rich Street when gunfire erupted. Officer Tony Garrison was shot in the arm, while undercover narcotics Officer John Gillis was wounded in the leg.
SLIDESHOW: Images From Case
Foster, who admitted going to the house to gamble, told 10TV News in an exclusive jailhouse interview that he never heard officers identify themselves before trying to force their way in. According to Foster, everyone inside the house thought robbers were trying to get inside.
"Whoever was outside fired back in, and that's when I un-holstered my gun and I fired two shots," Foster said. "Basically, I was firing two shots, like a warning shot."
In court on Thursday morning, Foster’s attorney argued that his client has paid enough of a price and should be released on bond.
“He’s a great guy,” said attorney Samuel Weiner. “He made a terrible mistake and he’s going to pay.”
For the large contingent of Columbus police officers in attendance, the argument made no difference.
"It’s very important that an individual like that does not get free before trial," said Sgt. Jim Gilbert, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "It’s important that he stays incarcerated."
In the end, the judge agreed and set no bond for Foster. The ruling came as a disappointment for family and friends, including former Ohio State basketball player Jim Jackson.
“I’ve known Derrick 17-plus years,” Jackson said. “(He’s) a good friend and family member. It’s unfortunate that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Gilbert said those supporting Foster should think twice.
“These individuals that wrote these letters surely weren’t with him at 10:30 at night in a crack house with a large amount of firearms and drugs,” Gilbert said.
Foster's attorney said he would ask for reduced bond when the case reaches indictment and a trial judge is set, Bell reported.
The other man accused of opening fire on the officers, Michael Gravely, remains in jail without bond.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Previous Stories:
May 21, 2008:
Officers,
Ex-OSU Player Discuss Shooting
May 2, 2008:
No Bond For Men Accused Of Shooting Officers
April 30, 2008:
2 Charged With Shooting Police
Officers
