Suspect at Large Following Reported Stabbing in Madison Township; Schools Placed on Soft Lockdown
MADISON TOWNSHIP — The Richland County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a reported stabbing that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Madison Township, causing a heavy law enforcement response and precautionary measures at nearby schools.
According to a news release from Sheriff J. Steve Sheldon, deputies were notified at approximately noon on December 17, 2025, of a possible stabbing in the 400 block of North McElroy Road. The victim had already been transported to a local hospital for treatment by the time authorities were notified.
Initial information provided to deputies regarding the suspect was limited. When deputies responded to the residence, the suspect was not located at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office is currently in the process of obtaining a search warrant for the residence as part of the ongoing investigation.
As a precaution, Madison High School and Madison Junior High School were placed on a soft lockdown. Richland County Sheriff’s Office Major Sweat emphasized that this measure was taken to ensure student and staff safety while the situation is assessed and law enforcement operations continue in the area.
The suspect remains at large. Deputies, along with the Richland County Fugitive Task Force, are actively searching the area in an effort to locate the individual involved.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available. Residents in the area are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
