CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A teenager was shot in Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe on Thursday, while the shooter remains on the run.
The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m., witnesses told the Guardian. The victim’s identity has not yet been released, but authorities have confirmed that the person shot is a 14-year-old girl. She was shot once in the neck, where the bullet exited. Medics reported they were able to control the bleeding until they got her to the hospital.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene in a silver car and enforcement is searching for the vehicle; the identity of the suspect is also currently unknown.
A medical helicopter was requested for the victim. The teen was transported to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in serious but stable condition.
UPDATE: On Friday, March 10, the Chillicothe Police Department released a statement saying the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups of teens.
A suspect in the shooting has not been named, although the Chillicothe Police Department and the Ross County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a felony traffic stop during the overnight hours involving a potential person of interest.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to the area of Cooks Hill Road and Route 772 near the Valero gas station to provide backup assistance to the Chillicothe Police Department. Deputies said officers with the police department stopped a white Nissan with a possible shooting suspect inside. The deputy reported that he drew his service weapon and provided cover for officers. A sergeant with the police department then ordered a female driver out of the vehicle. She was subsequently detained. Her name and relationship to the shooting have not been released by either agency.
Detectives in the case say the shooting remains under investigation.