COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers has announced an indictment against Joseph Van Niman, 42, related to the shooting at a Kroger grocery store in Colerain Township on May 29.

What You Need To Know

  • Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers has announced an indictment against Joseph Van Niman, 42, related to the shooting at a Kroger grocery store in Colerain Township on May 29

  • Police had been working on a drug investigation in the area when they believed they saw Van Niman having a "narcotics transaction"

  • After following him to the Kroger parking lot and commanding him to stop, it is alleged he turned toward them with his weapon drawn and "took a shooting stance"

  • After an exchange in gunfire, he was struck and given medical aid alongside a bystander who had also been injured

According to a press release from Powers’ office, police in Colerain Township had been working on a drug investigation in the area when they believe they saw Van Niman having a “narcotics transaction.”

After following him to the Kroger parking lot, police commanded him to stop. That’s when he allegedly turned toward the police with his weapon drawn and “took a shooting stance.”

“Officers produced weapons, and Van Niman ran into the Kroger Store, taking cover near the entrance with his firearm still drawn,” the release’ said. “Van Niman and Police exchanged gunfire from this position, with Van Niman stepping out multiple times while brandishing his firearm at officers.”

After more police arrived, Van Niman was hit gunfire as he tried making his way further inside the grocery. He was placed in custody as officers “immediately began to provide life-saving measures.”

A bystander was also injured after being hit with shrapnel during the shooting and was given medical aid by police. Both the bystander and Van Niman were taken to the hospital.

“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,” Powers said. “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.”

Van Niman faces the following charges, according to the release:

  • Three counts of attempted murder with firearm specifications
  • Five counts of felonious assault with firearm specifications
  • One count of carrying concealed weapons
  • One count of having weapons while under disability
  • One count of possession of criminal tools with firearm specifications
  • One count of inducing panic with firearm specifications

He could face a maximum sentence of 76-81.5 years in prison.

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