U.S. Marshals and Franklin County SWAT Arrest Columbus Murder Suspect

 Columbus, OH – The U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrested fugitive Wayne Romine this morning.  

Wayne Romine was wanted by the Columbus Division of Police for Murder, Weapons Under Disability, and for Discharge of a Firearm.  On March 22, 2024, Romine was indicted in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas on the above charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a shooting in Columbus.  The U.S. Marshals adopted the case, and the investigation led them to the 1700 Block of Little Ave. in Columbus. Romine was safely taken into custody by SWAT and is being held at the Franklin County Jail.

“In a coordinated effort with the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement, our SWAT unit successfully apprehended a violent suspect, ensuring the safety of our community. The operation shows the effectiveness of collaboration among agencies in maintaining public safety.” – Dallas Baldwin, Franklin County Sheriff.

“The arrest of this alleged homicide suspect is the result of the relationship between our Deputy U.S. Marshals and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The combination of our investigative resources and SWAT’s tactical capabilities allows us to safely and quickly locate and arrest those accused of the most violent of offenses.” - Michael D. Black, United States Marshal.

Columbus Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) is a fugitive-focused, U.S. Marshals Service-led task force consisting of local, state and federal authorities including the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bexley Police Department, Cambridge Police Department, Capital University Police Department, Delaware County Probation Office, Groveport Police Department, Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration, United States Attorney’s Office, Utica Police Department, Whitehall Police Department, and Zanesville Police Department.

Anyone with information on any fugitive may submit an anonymous USMS Web Tip.