On 01/29/25, at approximately 11:03 am, officers from the Ontario Police Department responded to a call regarding a male suspect making verbal threats at Avita Hospital, located at the Richland Mall location. The suspect, later identified as a 65 year old white male, allegedly made threatening statements towards hospital staff, prompting immediate concerns for the safety of employees and patients.
As a precautionary measure and following established security protocols, hospital administrators initiated a soft lockdown, temporarily limiting access to and from the premises while security personnel worked with law enforcement to assess the situation. The lockdown was enacted to ensure the safety of all individuals within the hospital and to facilitate a thorough investigation.
Officers arrived on scene promptly, and after a brief investigation, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident. The individual was charged with Inducing Panic and Aggravated Menacing. No injuries were reported, and the lockdown was lifted once the situation was resolved.
"We take all threats, whether verbal or otherwise, very seriously," said Chief Tommy Hill. "The safety of the public, hospital staff, and patients is our top priority, and we will continue to work with local institutions to ensure that these environments remain secure."
To be very clear as we have heard what is being shared via social media, there was not an active shooter incident at the Avita Hospital or Richland Mall.
*Update (1/30/25): The man left the Ontario hospital and went to Galion’s Avita Hospital, where he was arrested by Galion Police without incident