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
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.