An Ohio State University student was fatally shot Thursday in a house near campus, marking the city's first homicide of 2017.

Tarak Andrew Underiner, 20, was shot several times, said Columbus police. Officers were called to the house on the first block on East Northwood Avenue just east of North Pearl Street at 12:30 a.m.

One of his roommates called 911 and said: "My friend has been shot. In my residence, in his room. I'm freaking out."

The caller told dispatchers that he had heard someone run from the house shortly after gunshots rang out. When the roommate went to check on Underiner, he found him on the floor.

Medics pronounced Underiner dead at 12:41 a.m. Police said that they do not think Underiner was a random victim, and that the slaying has no connection to the university.

The house is in an area near campus where most of the homes are older and have been converted into apartments for students.

Underiner was a senior majoring in marketing and Spanish. He was from Cincinnati and graduated from Colerain High School, where he played several sports.

A little more than a month ago, Underiner testified at the Statehouse in support of allowing concealed handguns on Ohio college campuses.

>> Video | Northwood Ave. homicide scene

Underiner was several months shy of being able to obtain a concealed-carry permit in Ohio, where the law requires that applicants be at least 21 years old. A permit is not required to own guns and keep them in a residence.

There were guns in the house. Police said it appears that Underiner was not shot with his gun, but the final determination awaits the coroner's review, said Columbus police Sgt. Jeff Strayer, who oversees the third-shift homicide unit.

Underiner testified in support of House Bill 48, which would ease restrictions on where those with a concealed-carry permit can carry a gun. “College campuses and the areas surrounding them present environments rich with potential victims," he said. "They're willing to gamble we're unarmed, and it pays off."

He was a member of the university's chapter of Students for Concealed Carry.

"Tarak Underiner was both a personal friend of mine and a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him," Michael Newbern, director of Ohio Students for Concealed Carry, said in a statement.

"His work as a member of Buckeyes for Concealed Carry on Campus to restore the right to self-defense on Ohio's college campuses put him in an elite class obtained by very few others in our movement."

The university issued this statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tarak Underiner during this extremely difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences."

Investigators say a dog that Underiner and his roommates were watching might have been injured in the shooting. Police saw a hunk of bloody fur at the scene, but the dog was gone when they arrived.

Anyone with information can call Columbus police at 614-645-4730.

bburger@dispatch.com

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