Dear Ohio State Community Member:

You are receiving this notice because a crime has occurred that is considered to be of a concern and/or a continuing threat to the campus community.

The purpose of this message is to heighten your safety awareness by providing community members with information necessary to take appropriate precautions, enable you to take actions to help increase your safety, and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

Public Safety Notice For: On Campus

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026

Alert Code: 2026-05

The following crime occurred in: On Campus

On 3/1/2026, at approximately 5 p.m., a fight between a small group of individuals occurred inside the Ohio Union. One individual brandished a knife and threatened others in the group before fleeing the area. No injuries are reported. None of the individuals involved are believed to be affiliated with the university, meaning they are not students, faculty or staff.

Photos of the suspect that brandished a knife are below.

OSUPD is the lead law enforcement agency and is actively investigating. Any known details should be reported to OSUPD by calling 614-292-2121. 

Crimes are never the fault of the victim. OSUPD encourages everyone to lock doors and windows. Do not let unknown persons into residence halls. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police. Additional safety resources are available at: dps.osu.edu/resources

OSUPD carefully considers information contained in safety notices. All decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis with the safety of our campus community in mind. Law enforcement officers and dispatchers are trained to interview witnesses in an effort to obtain as much information as possible, such as build, hair style, hair color, facial hair, skin tone, eye color, tattoos or identifying marks, teeth, clothing, shoes, etc. OSUPD may limit the use of race, or other descriptors, unless accompanied by a detailed description of the suspect. In an effort to share information in a timely manner, details may be limited and are based on information known or reported at the time of issuance.

Anyone with information concerning this crime should contact either the University Police, 614-292-2121 or Columbus Police, 614-645-4545. You may also report information anonymously to the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS or the University Crime Stoppers Tips line at 614-247-TIPS.

For information about safety on Ohio State’s campus visit the following links:

For information about crime off campus, review the Columbus Police website. Helpful links are listed as: Crime Information, Crime Prevention, Offense Reports, and Media Releases.

This Public Safety Notice is issued in compliance with the “Timely Warning” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998. 34 CFR 668.46(e)