Crime
Officials Confirm No Active Shooter or Shooting During Fireworks Event at Thomas Cloud Park in Huber Heights
A celebration at Thomas Cloud Park took a chaotic turn Saturday night when panic erupted among attendees following reports of an active shooter. However, Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore has confirmed that there was no active shooter and no shots were fired during the city’s Star-Spangled Celebration.
Mayor Gore stated he had been in direct communication with the Chief of Police throughout the evening and verified that the incident stemmed from a false alarm.
“Someone yelled ‘shooter,’ and that spread like wildfire, causing widespread panic as people rushed for the exits,” Gore said in a social media post. “But again, I want to emphasize: there was no active shooter and no gunfire.”
The fireworks show, a family-friendly annual event that attracts hundreds of residents, descended into chaos as crowds began to flee in what witnesses described as a stampede.
Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene.
One attendee described the moment panic set in:
“We saw everyone running and screaming, so we ran too. It was total confusion. Cops were everywhere. I just hope nobody was seriously hurt.”
Another witness recounted that her nephew, his girlfriend, and their two young children were forced to flee as chaos unfolded near where they were sitting. “They had to snatch up the kids and run,” she said.
Reports have surfaced of minor injuries, including individuals who may have been trampled during the mass exit. Emergency crews were seen assisting people, though no serious injuries have been confirmed as of Sunday morning.
Huber Heights police are continuing to investigate the source of the false alarm and working to ensure public safety at future events.
Mayor Gore urged the community to remain calm and be cautious about spreading unverified information during emergencies.
“Misinformation can be just as dangerous in these situations,” he said. “Thankfully, there was no active threat. Our first responders acted quickly and professionally to protect everyone.”
City officials are reminding residents to rely on official sources for updates and information.
Crime
Chicago Police Respond to Officer-Involved Shooting Following Stolen Ambulance Pursuit
CHICAGO, IL (Cook County) — Chicago police and emergency crews responded to an officer-involved shooting following a chaotic pursuit involving a stolen ambulance from Loretto Hospital.
According to preliminary reports, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Cicero Avenue after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from the hospital premises.
During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect reportedly struck multiple police officers with the vehicle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been requested for two injured officers, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
Authorities have secured the area, and multiple law enforcement units remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and will review the incident in accordance with department policy.
