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COLUMBUS — Columbus Animal Clinic reopened Monday, July 20, following a shooting that sent a vet technician to the hospital and left property damage.
The clinic remained closed for a week following the shooting to recuperate and process.
“We are incredibly grateful for the prayers, kind words, support, food and patience our community has shown us over the past several days,” the clinic posted to their social media on July 20. “Your encouragement has meant more to us than words can express. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we settle back into our normal routine.”
The clinic will keep its front door locked, and staff members will limit building access to patients with appointments. Patients with postponed appointments will be contacted for rescheduling.
During the incident, clinic vet technician Alejandro “Alex” Maya was shot while protecting others. He was transported to Memorial Hermann for critical care. Maya’s sister, Maya Guerra, shared July 16 that he is continuing his recovery at home with family.
The GoFundMe for Maya’s medical expenses raised $18,203, surpassing its initial goal of $10,000 within a day. A new goal of $20,000 has been set.
To support Maya, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alex-recover-after-july-10-clinic-shooting/.
Robert Jerome Axel, 50, was booked on four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after firing gunshots at clinic staff and others in an incident the evening of July 10.
Columbus Police Chief Chris Mayfield said the investigation into the incident is still ongoing and has not progressed towards identifying a motive.
“When we have that big of an incident, like the report and everything, it’s a lot…just gathering all that and putting all everything together,” Mayfield said. “…There’s more completeness to it, but we are at the same spot as we were.”
