ONTARIO, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A 65-year-old man was arrested Wednesday morning following allegations of making verbal threats at Avita Hospital, located at the Ontario Center, previously known as the Richland Mall.
According to a press release from Ontario Police Chief Tommy Hill, law enforcement was called to the scene at 11:03 a.m. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, faces charges of inducing panic and aggravated menacing.
The situation unfolded after the man allegedly made threatening comments directed at hospital staff, raising immediate concerns for the safety of both employees and patients. In response, hospital administrators initiated a soft lockdown, temporarily restricting access to and from the facility while security personnel collaborated with law enforcement to assess the situation.
Ontario police conducted a brief investigation and located the suspect, taking him into custody without incident. Chief Hill emphasized that there was no active shooter incident at Avita Hospital or the Ontario Center, despite circulating rumors on social media.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the lockdown was lifted once the situation was resolved.