In the early morning hours of April 3, 2026, Thomas Coates Jr., a 39-year-old man, was fatally shot at the First Stop Bar & Grill in the North Linden neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The incident, which also left another person injured, is believed to have stemmed from an altercation inside the establishment. Police were called to the bar on Oakland Park Avenue around 4:05 a.m. following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Coates Jr. critically injured. He was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The second victim, who was also shot during the incident, arrived at a local hospital independently and was expected to survive their injuries.
The First Stop Bar & Grill had a history of violent incidents, with police responding to numerous calls, including multiple shootings, in the months leading up to the fatal shooting of Coates Jr. In the wake of his death, the bar was forced to permanently close its doors. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein stated that the establishment had ignored safety recommendations that could have prevented the violence. The bar had previously been cited for violating court orders related to security measures. While police stated there was "no indication a suspect fled the scene," no information regarding any arrests or the identity of any suspects in the shooting of Thomas Coates Jr. has been publicly released.
Thomas Emmanuel Coates Jr., known affectionately as “Tom C,” was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April 9, 1986. He was described by his family as a man committed to self-improvement and a devoted father. At the time of his death, he was employed as a transportation driver for a youth mentorship program. His obituary remembered him for his resilience, his love for his family, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.
