A suspect has been taken into custody following an active shooter situation at a North Canton apartment complex on Thursday morning. Police rescued a woman who was injured by gunfire while officers were under fire, according to officials.
The incident, which occurred at the Versailles Gardens apartments on Applegrove Street Northeast, prompted lockdowns at several nearby schools and facilities, including Walsh University. The injured woman was transported for medical care, and the suspect was apprehended by a SWAT team.
Key Takeaways
- A suspect was arrested after an active shooting incident at the Versailles Gardens apartments in North Canton.
- One woman was injured by gunfire that came through her apartment wall from a neighboring unit.
- Police officers rescued the victim under what was described as "heavy gunfire."
- Nearby institutions, including Walsh University, were placed on temporary lockdown as a precaution.
- The suspect was found with multiple weapons, and the motive remains under investigation.
Shooting Incident Prompts Major Police Response
The situation began to unfold shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday when the North Canton Police Department received reports of gunfire. Officers were dispatched to the Versailles Gardens apartment complex located on Applegrove Street Northeast.
Upon arrival, they encountered what they classified as an active shooting scene. According to police, the suspect was firing shots indiscriminately from an apartment unit. This unpredictable behavior posed a significant threat to residents and responding officers.
By 10:30 a.m., law enforcement officials announced that the situation was "contained but ongoing." They urged the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to operate safely. The heavy police presence included local officers and a specialized SWAT unit.
Dramatic Rescue of Injured Resident
During the incident, a woman in an adjacent apartment was struck by a bullet that penetrated the wall. Realizing the victim was injured and still in danger, officers initiated a high-risk rescue operation.
The rescue was carried out amid continuous gunfire from the suspect's location. Major Matt Buzzard of the North Canton Police Department described the intensity of the scene.
"Over the radio, I could hear gunshots whizzing by the radios," Major Buzzard stated, highlighting the danger faced by the officers on the ground.
In a remarkable moment, a former SWAT officer on the scene took decisive action to reach the victim. According to Major Buzzard, the officer "ripped the window out with his bare hands, jumped out the window, and they pulled her out." This quick thinking allowed the team to extract the injured woman from the dangerous environment and get her to safety.
Timeline of Events
- Before 9:00 a.m.: Police respond to reports of gunfire on Applegrove Street NE.
- 9:20 a.m.: Walsh University issues a shelter-in-place advisory.
- Shortly after 10:00 a.m.: Walsh University lifts the shelter-in-place order.
- 10:30 a.m.: Police confirm the situation is "contained but ongoing."
- Later Morning: SWAT team takes the suspect into custody.
Suspect Apprehended by SWAT Team
With the victim rescued, the focus shifted entirely to apprehending the shooter. A specialized SWAT team was deployed to enter the apartment where the suspect was located. The tactical unit successfully made entry and took the individual into custody without further incident.
Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect. A search of the apartment revealed that the individual was in possession of several weapons. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown and remains a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the shooting. No other injuries were reported from the incident.
Community on Alert as Schools Enter Lockdown
The proximity of the active shooter situation to several community institutions triggered immediate safety protocols. As a precautionary measure, a number of area schools and an assisted living facility were placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents.
Understanding 'Shelter-in-Place'
A "shelter-in-place" order is a standard procedure used during a nearby threat, such as an active shooter. It requires all individuals to remain inside a secure location, lock all doors and windows, and stay away from sightlines until authorities give an "all clear." This protocol is designed to minimize risk and prevent individuals from inadvertently entering a dangerous area.
Walsh University, located near the apartment complex, acted swiftly. At approximately 9:20 a.m., the university posted an alert on its Facebook page, instructing everyone on campus to "stay inside."
Just after 10 a.m., once law enforcement had contained the threat, the university issued an "all clear" update. Campus operations were permitted to return to normal. In their follow-up message, the university clarified the nature of the event.
"This situation was not related to Walsh University, and our campus was not directly threatened," the updated post read. "We are grateful to report that Campus Police has cleared campus, and the shelter-in-place has been lifted." The university's prompt communication helped manage the situation and keep the campus community informed.