CINCINNATI —

It's the first big step to the next era of the Tri-County Mall property in Springdale.

On Wednesday, council members voted to approve a preliminary plan to transform the space.

The project, which is a joint venture between MarketSpace Capital and Park Harbor Capital, was laid out in four phases and a representative said he believes the first phase could be completed in just a few years.

"They need to do something. They need to revamp this mall. It used to be good, but now it's nothing in there," shopper, Tameko, said.

For people who've grown weary at the state of Tri-County Mall, there's a new $1 billion vision for the more than 70 acres of land.

The Springdale City Council approved a preliminary plan to completely redevelop the space, keeping intact some elements we all recognize like the skylights, but reimagining it all with restaurants, green space, retail, nearly 2,400 residential units and a dog park.

They're also exploring relocating a community center to the space.

"You're interested not just doing what's great for the developer, you're interested in doing something that's great for the city, something that's great for the school district and that is the part of it that is fantastic," Councilman Lawrence Hawkins III said.

Officials said Princeton City Schools will also have a STEM institute located inside and there will be other educational options.

Developers said they want to create a live, work and play environment, too.

The project, dubbed as 'Liberty Center on steroids' by some, has a 15-year timeline, with a soft opening by fall of 2023 and the first of four phases believed to be completed by Dec. 2024, according to a representative at a special council meeting on Wednesday.

City leaders said they've dreamed of this for years.

Now, it seems this is the start of a new era for an historic part of our area.

"If you build 90% of it, if you build 75% of that, it will truly be another crown jewel in the city of Springdale," Mayor Doyle Webster.

Councilmembers said they never want to refer to the property as a mall ever again, and prefer to look forward and see this project as integrating the community.

Part of that process, they said, is the big discussion about whether moving a community center would work and hearing from neighbors.

Officials said they expect a final development plan to be presented to the planning commission in the next three to six months.

SPRINGDALE, Ohio —

Springdale police asked for the public's help Tuesday. They're seeking leads in a two-year-old homicide.

Josue Lopez-Ramirez was a Guatemalan immigrant who police said came to the United States with his family for a better life.

His life came to an end when he was just 18 years old.

"When you stand there and see a mother who just watched her son be taken from her, you never forget that," said Springdale police Chief Tom Wells.

Wells was at this scene that night. It was the day before Thanksgiving, 2019.

Lopez-Ramirez had just picked up his mother from work and had returned to their apartment on Chesterdale Road.

"They pulled in to their parking stall in front of their apartment building, and before they were even able to get out of the car, a suspect car pulled in behind them, kind of blocking them in," said Springdale police officer Keenan Riordan.

A group of men got out of the car. Police said they first attempted to rob Lopez-Ramirez's mother and then him.

"And one of the suspect's shot him. He was shot one time, however, multiple shots were fired," Riordan said.

The suspects took off. Police collected evidence and followed several leads, but nothing has led investigators to the suspects.

Tuesday, police urged the public to help them get answers.

"Maybe the suspects spoke about the accident. Maybe they acted suspiciously," Riordan said. "Maybe they'll talk about it at Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe they talked about it at Thanksgiving dinner two years ago, and I'm hoping that will jar a memory or something like that now that the holidays are upon us again."

The hope is to bring closure to a family who is still suffering.

"It is our interest to see justice for people who are victimized in this community, and it's also our experience, people talk about crimes. They just do," Wells said.

Police said they don't know why Lopez-Ramirez and his mother were targeted. They said it was possibly a crime of opportunity. Another theory is that they were followed home.

The only description police have of the suspects is what Lopez-Ramirez's mother gave them. She said it was a group of either three or four black men wearing dark clothes and in a dark-colored car.

Anyone with information is asked to call Springdale police or Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040.

SPRINGDALE, Ohio —

One person is dead after a motorcycle crash in Springdale, Ohio.

According to Springdale police, the crash happened before 12:30 a.m. Sunday on the ramp from State Route 4 to I-275 EB.

Officials say the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

Emergency crews were going to transport the motorcyclist to the hospital using air care, but the driver's injuries ended up being too severe.

The Hamilton County Coroners Office responded to the scene.

Despite a traumatic brain injury sustained in a bicycle crash, a Navy veteran will complete the final stretch of a 908-mile bike tour from Colorado to his hometown of Springdale, Arkansas. Josh Fohner was hit by a vehicle while on his bicycle in Colorado in 2016. He suffered a traumatic brain injury from the crash.For the past two years, Fohner has been recovering and preparing for the inaugural “All in for Josh Tour” in hopes to inspire others through his rehabilitation process. The last 28-mile leg of the All in for Josh Tour is known as the Ride for Hope, when undreds of friends, family, volunteers and community members will join in.“If you look back in 2016 when Josh first was hit by the car, doctors told his parents that he would never walk and never be able to even move again,” said Travis Kegans, who has joined Fohner for over 500 miles of the All in Tour. “Now you see this, and it's just a true fairy tale story that Josh has overcome all the odds thrown against him.” Watch the video above and visit the All in for Josh website to learn more about the Ride for Hope and Josh’s journey to recovery.

SPRINGDALE, Ohio — Tara McRae, the mother of a man charged with felonious assault after a shooting outside Dave & Buster's, said she believes her son was a victim in the confrontation and was responding to the aggression of other people at the barcade.

"I want my son not to be portrayed as a monster," McRae said Friday. "It's unfortunate that this happened, but he was not the instigator or the perpetrator. He was a victim."

Police have accused John Perez, 24, of becoming involved in a fight at Dave & Buster's on June 28. Court documents indicate he left the scuffle, retrieved a gun from his car and shot another participant in the back.

McRae said another group of people at Dave & Buster's started the fight by punching Perez's girlfriend. She claimed another person punched her daughter — Perez's sister — in the face, and the girl had to be treated for a concussion at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

"I'm not letting this go about these kids. I'm not letting it go — they were children," McRae said. "Grown people fighting is something different, but these are babies. They went too far."

Perez fled the scene after the shooting, but police said an eyewitness identified him. Officers found the gun used to injure the other man in Perez’s vehicle.

“This case is ongoing and more charges on this suspect and others are forthcoming,” wrote Springdale police Chief Thomas S. Wells in a news release.

The gunshot victim was briefly hospitalized but had been released by the end of the following day.

A spokesperson with Dave & Busters said their thoughts are with those affected by Monday night's shooting.

SPRINGDALE, Ohio — In the parking lot of Dave & Busters Monday night, a fight that started inside ended with gunfire.

The man shot was released from the hospital today, according to police, but officials haven't announced any information about a suspect or who could be responsible.

Before the shots were fired, the incident started with a large fight that happened inside the business.

"I am at Dave & Busters in Springdale, there are several fights happening right now and we need the police up here in like 30 seconds," said a 911-caller to dispatch.

A 911-caller also said multiple people had been tased after a large fight broke out. Once the fight moved outside, to the parking lot, those calling 911 became more frantic, telling dispatchers someone had a gun.

"They out here shooting," said a 911-caller. "I'm gone."

A 37-year-old man was found by police nearby, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital but his injuries were considered to be non-life-threatening, according to police.

People caught up in the incident Monday night compared the shooting to recent violent incidents that have erupted this summer in other areas intended for family fun, like Kings Island.

"This young group, I've got news for you," said Maudine Walker, who was shopping in the area after the shooting had already happened. "Keep on walking, because guess what, your time is next. Life is not promised to you."

WCPO reached out to the mayor of Springdale and the Springdale Police Department, but both were unavailable to comment.

A spokesperson with Dave & Busters said their thoughts are with those affected by Monday night's shooting. They would not comment on any safety concerns during the investigation.

CINCINNATI —

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the harsh reality of isolation became front and center for seniors, especially in nursing homes.

As care facilities search for new ways to help residents adapt to limited interaction with other residents and visitors, a new study is poised to provide a possible solution.

A global study currently underway through Stanford University hopes to provide qualitative insight between virtual reality and the aging population. The study promises to be the largest study of its kind in history.

The study is made possible through the partnerships with MyndVR and AT&T.

Among the approximate 50 global partners involved in the study is Maple Knoll Village in Springdale.

MyndVR sells virtual reality headset kits with an accompanying tablet. MyndVR says its starter price is $6,000 a year per senior community with a two-year contract. This includes three headsets and access to its VR content library.

Participants can slip on a headset and choose different virtual experiences like concerts, international and space travel and a Broadway performance.

Maple Knoll says it was already an existing MyndVR customers before the study began. Upon request, they purchased more devices to have a total of seven kits.

The retirement community says the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased realities of isolation spurred its decision to participate in the study.

"I think COVID really strengthened the need for that," Maple Knoll Village Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Megan Ulrich said. "So many people were combating, you know, depression, isolation, loneliness. And if we can give them an opportunity to experience new education, travel somewhere safely without ever leaving their home, this is something that I think it's going to be a huge benefit to our seniors."

Ulrich says to not discredit seniors when it comes to VR, especially considering some have lived through the development of televisions, cellphones, computers, tablets and now virtual realities.

One Maple Knoll resident participating in the trial and who helped financially back the opportunity to bring VR to Maple Knoll is Barb Desalvo.

Desalvo, 79, strapped on the headset and narrated her virtual experience of being on stage during the opening number of Disney's "The Lion King" stage production.

“I think it’s just a hoot to do this," Desalvo said about her VR experience. "But, besides that, I think there are a lot of people that are not as active and can’t get out as easily or are isolated because of family or whatever. This just takes you to another world altogether. And that’s so refreshing and comforting, I think.”

MyndVR says it is also aware that the virtual reality headsets can potentially do more than provide an entertaining escape.

"What we do envision virtual reality, and especially the product that we're building at MyndVR, is to help with some of those side effects that do come along with dementia, that do come along with Parkinson's, that might come along with ocular degeneration," MyndVR CEO Chris Brickler said. "So we're looking at ways that VR can help make people's lives better."

Brickler says the global study is expected to talk about four to six months to complete with initiation results expected in the first 90 days.

SPRINGDALE, Ohio —

Springdale police officers once again proved how strong their brotherhood and sisterhood is as they boarded a bus outside the police department Friday morning.

"You can just feel it around the PD every single day. There is a greater sense of unity," said Springdale police Chief Thomas Wells.

Their destination Friday was the Hamilton County Courthouse.

Although the sun shined down as they stepped off the bus and walked inside, their mood was dark.

They filled a courtroom seeking justice for two of their own -- Officer Kaia Grant and Sgt. Andy Davis.

"There are other agencies covering for us so that we could all be here together for this," Wells said. "That's that bond in public safety, that we take care of each other, and that's what they're doing for us today."

Terry Blankenship, 43, the man who killed Grant by intentionally swerving his truck into her last year pleaded guilty to aggravated murder. Blankenship also injured Davis.

Now retired, Davis sat among his peers as Grant's mother, Gina Mobley, found the courage to speak about her daughter.

"She grew to become a kind, loving, smart, honorable, gracious human being. She loved her family. She loved her dog Athen, and she loved the life of a public servant," Mobley said. "The defendant's malicious, evil actions ended my daughter's life. He stole her future and her dreams."

Blankenship was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

"This is as close, in my opinion, to getting the death penalty as possible. Thirty years is a long time given Mr. Blankenship's age, and in all likelihood, it probably will be a death sentence," Wells said.

After the hearing, Grant's family released the following statement:

"No parent should ever have to outlive their child. Kaia's father will never walk his daughter down the aisle. Kaia's mother will never experience having a baby shower for her daughter. The fabric of the family's soul has been shredded by the senseless act by someone who can only be described as evil. We ask for prayers to help the family through the grieving process and to let go of anger of having our beautiful daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter taken away from us far too soon.

"Well educated and bilingual, Kaia Grant could have been anything she wanted to be. She chose a life of service to people. She exemplified best in what every police chief wants in an officer. Professionalism, disciplined, well spoken, and empathetic. The family is honored and humbled by the many stories of Kaia's service and the tremendous impact she had on the Springdale Police Department and the greater community at the age of thirty-three (33).

"The family received such a tremendous outpouring of support from friends, law enforcement and the community we can not name all of them. However, we do want to recognize and acknowledge the following:

Seth Hagaman, Senior Special Agent of the Ohio Attorney General's Office

Kim Schneidt, Advocate for the Hamilton County Victims/Witness Program

David Yost, State Attorney General

Joseph T. Deters, Prosecuting Attorney for Hamilton County and

Chief Thomas Wells and the Springdale Police Department

"Kaia was totally committed to being a police officer. Kaia was also totally committed to keeping her professional life and her private life separate. To that end, the family asks that you respect their need for privacy as we continue to mourn the loss of Kaia Grant."

SPRINGDALE, Ohio —

Funeral arrangements have been finalized for a Springdale police officer killed in the line of duty.

Kaia Grant, 33, will be honored Sunday morning with a service and procession.

Although funerals are considered exempt from Gov. Mike DeWine's "Stay at Home" order, concessions are being made. The Springdale Police Department that all officers and members of the community practice social distancing.

A police official is assigned the sole responsibility of ensuring our compliance with the Governor's order, and the officer has worked closely with the Springdale Health Commissioner.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the police procession will leave Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Marked Police vehicles and Fire apparatus wishing to be in the procession should arrive at Spring Grove Cemetery no later than 8 a.m.

The procession will travel up State Route 4 and will make stops at Wyoming High School and Springdale Police and Fire Departments. It will then proceed Northeast on Lawnview Ave to East on Kemper Rd to South on Century Blvd to the Vineyard Church in Springdale. The remainder of the service will be held at the Vineyard Church.

Much of the procession route is along residential streets. The Springdale Police Department is encouraging residents to step outside their homes along the route to support Officer Grant and her family in a safe and responsible manner.

A private service will be held inside the church for members of Grant's family and Springdale police officers.

Others are asked to watch via a live stream.

An outdoor ceremony at the church will follow.

"The traditions you're used to seeing -- 21 gun salute, helicopter flyover, bagpiper -- those things will all take place to honor Kaia," said Springdale police Officer Keenan Riordan.

Since Grant's death last Saturday, Springdale Police Chief Thomas Wells said his department has received an overwhelming amount of support from the community and other police agencies.

"It doesn't matter if his patch says Colerain or mine says Springdale. It's blue, and we're all together," Wells said.

Wells also pointed out flowers that Springdale Public Works employees planted to form a "K."

"It's just so heartwarming to see that. It's beautiful. We didn't know they did that, and it hit us like a ton of bricks, but that's the kind of beautiful love that's going on here," Wells said.

Wells also asked that the community keep Springdale Sgt. Andy Davis in their thoughts and prayers. Davis was injured Saturday night after responding to the same incident as Grant.

"I just want to make sure we don't forget about Sgt. Davis. He is doing well. He's recovering from his injuries," Wells said.

During this difficult time for the city of Springdale, officers from Colerain, Blue Ash, Forest Park and Sharonville have stepped in to help cover shifts so coworkers of Grant and Davis can grieve and be there for each other.

"I just can't thank them enough," Wells said.

Here is the schedule for services at Vineyard Church:

10:30am to 11:00am – Private Family Viewing. Officers to remain in their vehicles or small groups.

11:00am to 12:15pm – Service inside church reserved for family and Springdale Police Personnel.

12:15pm to 1:30pm – Viewing for Springdale Police, Fire, elected officials, and family/friends.

1:30pm to 2:00pm – Ceremonial Honors for Officer Grant on Vineyard property outdoors. Officers will stand in formation practicing social distancing.

2:00pm – Funeral ends

Springdale Police are expected to release an exact procession route later this week.