A 27-year-old Columbus man was sentenced today to 4 years in prison by Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge David Gormley. Brian Ford II pleaded guilty on March 27, 2023 to domestic violence, a felony of the third degree, with a one-year firearm specification, having weapons under disability a felony of the third degree, and violating a protection order, a misdemeanor of the 1st degree.
On September 6, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a call at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Ford initially fought in the parking lot with the victim and then barricaded himself inside a men’s restroom for approximately 15-20 minutes. He hid a loaded firearm in the drop ceiling of the bathroom. Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene, and ultimately Ford was apprehended by law enforcement with no injuries or threats to anyone at the mall.
“We will continue to vigorously prosecute criminals who bring their guns and violence to Delaware County.” Prosecutor Schiffel said. “Thanks to the excellent police work of our Sheriff’s Deputies, no one was hurt at Tanger Outlet that day. Hopefully this case is a warning to anyone else thinking about conducting themselves in the same manner as Mr. Ford in Delaware County.”
This case was prosecuted by Elizabeth Matune, an assistant Delaware county prosecutor who focuses on domestic violence and protecting victims of crimes in these types of relationships.