Ohio University Shooting: Suspect Dead After Barricade Standoff Near West Union Street; One Woman Injured

Incident Timeline & Location

Time & Place
The Athens Police Department responded around 2:28 p.m. (local time) to reports of a shooting at 93 West Union Street, near Depot Street, just off the Ohio University campus

A woman was shot in the leg and was transported for treatment via MedFlight to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where she remains in stable condition. She was reportedly able to communicate while being treated.

The suspect barricaded himself in an apartment within the Beasley Mill senior living complex on West Union Street, prompting a shelter-in-place advisory and evacuation of the surrounding area
A full-scale response involved Athens Police, Ohio University Police (OUPD), Athens County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Columbus Bomb Squad, and local fire crews.
Negotiations were attempted via phone, drones, and specialized communication equipment; a drone also assisted in accessing the apartment.
The suspect was later found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No explosives were discovered inside the apartment as initially feared.

By approximately 5:22 p.m., officials declared that the threat was contained and there was no further risk to the public, advising people to avoid the area as the investigation continued.
UpCycle Ohio Thrift Store (located nearby) posted that authorities confirmed containment of the situation at Beasley Mill.
A formal all-clear came later in the evening, signaling that students and residents were no longer under shelter-in-place orders.

Described by law enforcement as a rare, high-stress standoff, the incident caused anxiety among local residents and students.
One Ohio University senior remarked:

“I was really freaked out … My first thought was where is it and what’s happening?”
Red Cross volunteers were reportedly on-hand to offer water and support to affected community members.