Ontario Police Investigating Late-Night Shooting Involving Child
ONTARIO, OH — The Ontario Police Department is investigating a late-night shooting incident that left a young child injured Wednesday evening on the city’s east side.
According to police, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to a residence on Landings Court following reports that a 3-year-old child had been struck by a bullet.
Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter around the residence and conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area. Assistance was provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, which helped secure the neighborhood while the investigation began.
The child was transported by Springfield Township EMS to OhioHealth Mansfield for treatment. Authorities reported the injuries were non-life-threatening.
During the initial sweep, no weapon was recovered, and investigators determined there was no ongoing threat to the public. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) responded to assist with crime scene processing and evidence collection.
Police say the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm remain unclear. No charges have been filed at this time, and detectives continue to process evidence and conduct interviews with potential witnesses.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Ontario Police Department at 419-529-2115. Officials indicated that additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.
