Rudy Tirado Gonzalez, 51, was a well-known Columbus businessman and chef who owned Rudy’s Food Drink and Sports on West Fifth Avenue. He also had owned apartment houses, construction businesses, and pawn shops. Friends remembered him as kind and generous and said family and the community were in shock after his death.

On the night of January 23, 2023, Gonzalez was at the Crazee Mule Pub and Grill on Cleveland Avenue. Shortly after 11 p.m. he became involved in an argument inside the bar after reportedly trying to help someone and sticking up for a woman who was being harassed. Security cameras recorded the dispute. During the argument another man pulled out a gun and shot Gonzalez several times. He was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition and died a short time later.

Detectives reviewed the footage and questioned witnesses, and identified 25-year-old Armando Flores as the suspect. Police issued an arrest warrant and later located and arrested Flores in connection with the shooting. Anyone who knew Gonzalez or who was at the Crazee Mule that night and has information is asked to come forward.