Suspect at large after fatal shooting near elementary school

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 23-year-old is wanted and charged with murder after a shooting early Sunday near an elementary school in northeastern Franklin County.

The sheriff's office said the shooting happened just after 2 a.m. during an alleged drug deal near Licking Heights West Elementary School in Jefferson Township. Nicko Matthews-Cooper allegedly tried to rob Kaelan Amerson, 21, after the transaction.

Amerson and two others were inside a car, and Matthews-Cooper allegedly began shooting, hitting him multiple times in the upper body before driving off. Amerson lost control of the car, causing it to stop one block away at Narrow Leaf Drive.

Deputies arrived and had medics take Amerson to a hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead. The other passengers were shot but only suffered minor injuries.

Matthews-Cooper has been charged with murder. Anyone with information on his whereabouts or of any possible surveillance footage are asked to call 614-525-3351.