Crime & Safety
Ohio State Police Investigate Assault, Reported Gunfire Tuesday Oct 27
Columbus, OH – Ohio State University students, faculty and staff received a public safety notice Tuesday, October 27, after a confrontation involving two vehicles near a campus loading dock escalated
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-27T18:54:47.441Z
Columbus, OH – Ohio State University students, faculty and staff received a public safety notice Tuesday, October 27, after a confrontation involving two vehicles near a campus loading dock escalated into an alleged aggravated assault, with witnesses reporting gunshots.
According to the Ohio State University Police Division, the incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday near Lincoln Tower's service drive, located off Cannon Drive on the university's Columbus campus.
Police said two vehicles entered the service drive near the loading dock, apparently attempting to make deliveries. An interaction between the individuals involved reportedly developed into a verbal confrontation.
The situation escalated when one vehicle allegedly drove around the other and struck it as the vehicles passed.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing loud arguing followed by what sounded like gunshots. Both vehicles subsequently fled the scene.
University police are actively investigating the incident as an aggravated assault. Officials have not confirmed whether anyone was struck by gunfire, whether injuries occurred or whether any arrests have been made.
The university issued Public Safety Notice 2026 06, describing the incident as a crime of concern or potential continuing threat to the campus community.
The alert covers the on campus area near Lincoln Tower, a location accessible to university personnel, delivery drivers and other campus visitors.
Ohio State police are encouraging students and employees to remain aware of their surroundings, secure doors and windows, and report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about the confrontation or the vehicles involved is encouraged to contact the Ohio State University Police Division at 614 292 2121 .
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614 461 TIPS or University Crime Stoppers at 614 247 TIPS .
The investigation remains active, and additional information may become available as police gather evidence and interview witnesses.