PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A weekend scare in Pickaway County turned out to be a false alarm, resulting in the arrest of a 44-year-old man on charges of inducing panic. Authorities say the incident began when the man approached an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper and claimed someone was being held hostage at gunpoint inside a vehicle.
According to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, the tip prompted an immediate and robust law enforcement response around 11:30 a.m., Saturday, on Route 23, near the local patrol post. Deputies, along with the Columbus Division of Fire, converged on the scene, treating the report as a high-risk situation.
Officials temporarily shut down Route 23 in both directions, between Route 316 and Route 22, while they investigated. However, after interviewing the man—identified as Jeffrey Corby—authorities discovered there was no hostage at all. Investigators say Corby himself had driven the vehicle in question, and no real threat existed.
Corby was placed under arrest and charged with inducing panic. He remains in custody at the Pickaway County Jail.
Law enforcement agencies continue to stress that false reports not only strain resources but can also endanger public safety by diverting officers and medical personnel away from real emergencies.