Lancaster, OH — The Lancaster Police Department (LPD) has released new information regarding two recent incidents involving a shooting and a vehicle crash that occurred in the early hours of August 16, 2024.
At approximately 3:28 a.m., LPD responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at Timbertop Apartments, located in the 2200 block of North Columbus Street. The caller, 20-year-old Natasha Burns of Lancaster, initially reported that three unknown males were trying to break into a parked vehicle and that one of them fired shots at her. However, further investigation revealed that Burns was actually the one who discharged a handgun at the males, who had not fired at her. Burns has been charged with falsification (Misdemeanor 1st degree), and the case will be reviewed by the local prosecutor’s office for potential additional charges.
Shortly after, at 3:47 a.m., LPD was dispatched to a vehicle crash at Midtown Apartments on Community Way. The vehicle involved in the crash had been reported stolen from the Relax Inn on River Valley Boulevard. The stolen vehicle was linked to the same three males involved in the Timbertop Apartments incident.
Thanks to community assistance, LPD has identified the three individuals involved. One juvenile has been placed in the Multi-County Juvenile Detention Center in connection with these incidents. The search continues for one remaining juvenile male and one adult suspect, both of whom are still at large.
The Lancaster Police Department extends its thanks to the public for their crucial help in addressing these cases.
