Former Columbus police officer James Niggemeyer says he does not regret intervening in the 2004 shooting at Alrosa Villa, despite the incident’s long-term emotional impact ending his frontline career. He is widely credited with preventing further deaths after entering the venue alone and fatally shooting the gunman who had killed four people, including Pantera and Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott.

Niggemeyer said he arrived shortly after the active-shooter call at about 10:15pm and used a Remington 870 shotgun because he knew it well from hunting and police work. Guided into the unfamiliar venue by fans, he found the gunman holding a hostage and decided he could not wait for backup; he later remained on patrol for three years before being moved to a detective role on medical advice.