North Canton Police Respond to Shots Fired During Rescue Operation

NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Law enforcement surrounded a North Canton apartment building Thursday morning after a woman was shot and officers came under fire while attempting to rescue her.

The incident occurred at the Versailles Garden Apartments, located near Applegrove and Main streets, as police responded to a call about gunfire. North Canton Police Major Matthew Buzzard stated that officers heard shots being fired shortly after their arrival.

Upon entering the apartment, police discovered a woman who had been shot. While they were trying to retrieve her, shots were fired at them from outside, Buzzard confirmed. Despite the chaotic situation, the officers managed to safely extricate the victim through a window.

No officers were reported injured during the incident. Following the shooting, North Canton Police were joined by multiple law enforcement agencies from Stark County, as well as the FBI and U.S. Marshals for support.

According to Buzzard, there have been no further shots fired since the initial event. As a precautionary measure, Walsh University issued a shelter-in-place order, which has since been lifted. At 10 a.m., Walsh University officials announced that Campus Police had given the all-clear for students and staff.

North Canton Schools are currently on a soft lockdown as a safety measure while the situation remains under investigation.