Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announces charges in grocery store shooting case
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers recently announced the indictment of Joseph Van Niman, 42, for his alleged role in a May 29 shooting at a grocery store on Springdale Road in Colerain Township.
Van Niman was indicted for three counts of attempted murder (felony 1) with firearm specifications, five counts of felonious assault (felony 2) with firearm specifications, one count of carrying concealed weapons (felony 4), one count of having weapons while under disability (felony 3), one count of possession of criminal tools (felony 5) with firearm specifications and one 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 29, Colerain Township Police Officers were conducting a drug investigation in the area of Colerain Avenue and Springdale Road. During this investigation, officers observed Van Niman allegedly conduct what they believed to be a narcotics transaction. Colerain Officers followed Van Niman as he allegedly walked across the street and into the parking lot of the store on Springdale Road.
When officers gave Van Niman verbal commands to stop, Van Niman allegedly turned toward officers with a firearm in hand and took a shooting stance.
Officers produced weapons, and Van Niman allegedly ran into the store, taking cover near the entrance with his firearm still drawn. Van Niman and Police allegedly exchanged gunfire from this position, with Van Niman allegedly stepping out multiple times while brandishing his firearm at officers.
Additional officers approached from an alternate entrance, and Van Niman allegedly 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.”
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.