Ohio Christian University Lockdown Ends After Armed Man Fleeing Campus; Search Called Off
Updated (2 articles)
Incident Triggered by Armed Individual Near Softball Field On the evening of February 21, 2026, Ohio Christian University activated a lockdown after a report of an armed individual near the softball field at the 1400 block of Lancaster Pike [1]. A campus security officer approached a male loiterer who then drew a handgun, pointed it at the officer, and fled into adjacent woods [1]. The university’s emergency response and shelter‑in‑place protocols were immediately implemented as a precaution [1].
Law Enforcement Response and Search Operations Circleville Police, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived promptly, deploying a K‑9 tracking unit and a helicopter to locate the suspect [1]. Officers also detained an unrelated individual at a Sheetz gas station on South Court Street, later released without connection to the incident [1]. Sheriff Matthew Hafey announced the search was called off, with custody status of the armed individual remaining unknown [1].
No Injuries Reported and Shelter‑in‑Place Lifted University officials confirmed that no injuries occurred during the confrontation [1]. Students, faculty, and staff were instructed to remain sheltered until law enforcement secured the perimeter, after which the shelter‑in‑place order was lifted at approximately 10:10 p.m. [1]. Police continued to patrol the area while the investigation proceeded [1].
University Administration’s Reaction and Ongoing Investigation President R.D. Saunders publicly thanked first responders and emphasized that campus safety remains the highest priority [1]. The university urged anyone with information to contact Circleville Police at 740‑474‑8888 [1]. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities seeking further leads [1].
Related Tickers
Timeline
Dec 12, 2025 – The University of New Orleans Police Department issues a mandatory campus evacuation order after receiving a credible threat, stating the alert is not a drill and directing all occupants to leave immediately [1].
Dec 12, 2025 – Local police confirm the emergency, secure the campus perimeter, and place the nearby Benjamin Franklin High School on shelter‑in‑place as a precautionary measure [1].
Dec 12, 2025 – Graduation ceremonies that are in progress on campus are abruptly halted by the evacuation, disrupting the scheduled commencement events [1].
Dec 12, 2025 – University officials withhold details about the nature of the threat, leaving the specifics of the incident undisclosed to the public [1].
Feb 21, 2026 – Ohio Christian University initiates a lockdown after a report of an armed individual near the softball field in the 1400 block of Lancaster Pike, activating its emergency response and shelter‑in‑place protocols [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – A campus security officer confronts a male loiterer who removes a handgun from his waistband, points it at the officer, and then flees into adjacent woods, prompting a rapid response from Circleville Police and Pickaway County Sheriff’s deputies [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Law‑enforcement agencies deploy a K‑9 tracking unit, a helicopter, and conduct a broader search, detaining an unrelated individual at a Sheetz gas station who is later cleared of involvement [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – The shelter‑in‑place order is lifted at approximately 10:10 p.m. after the perimeter is secured; officials confirm no injuries occurred during the incident [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey announces that the search for the armed individual is called off and notes that it remains unclear whether anyone has been taken into custody [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Ohio Christian University President R.D. Saunders thanks the responders for their swift action and emphasizes that the safety of students and employees remains the university’s highest priority [2].
All related articles (2 articles)
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BGWnmRBQ9/ (cited 1 times)