CIRCLEVILLE, OH — A tense scene unfolded at the Circleville Pumpkin Show Saturday evening when a 17-year-old wearing a black ski mask reportedly brandished a handgun during an altercation behind the Pumpkin Show park’s main stage, according to police reports.
Circleville Police and Pickaway County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the area of 121 N. Court Street around 4:26 p.m. on October 18, after witnesses reported a fight involving a firearm near the crowded stage grounds.
Officers arrived to find a juvenile, identified as Johnathon Ramey, already detained by deputies. Juvenile witnesses told officers that Ramey, dressed in black clothing and a ski mask, lifted his sweatshirt to reveal a handgun tucked into his waistband. One witness reported that Ramey stated he was going to “finish what he started,” referencing a fight that had occurred the previous day.
According to the report, one of the individuals approached by Ramey, struck him in the face and tackled him to the ground in an attempt to disarm him. A Pumpkin show volunteer identified as Kevin Clifton, who was working at the festival, also assisted in subduing Ramey after hearing someone yell “gun.” The firearm — a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol — fell to the ground and was recovered by Pumpkin Show President Marc Rogols, who turned it over to police.
Ramey suffered a cut to his lip during the scuffle and was evaluated by medics before being transported to Berger Hospital for treatment. He was later taken to the Multi-County Juvenile Detention Center, where he was charged with:
- Inducing Panic
- Aggravated Menacing
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Officers also recovered several personal items from Ramey, including cash, a cellphone, and the ski mask he had been wearing.
Investigators later learned that Ramey may have brandished a firearm in a separate confrontation the day before the festival incident. Circleville Police say they are reviewing video evidence allegedly captured and shared via Snapchat showing both altercations.
No shots were fired during the incident, and no bystanders were injured.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the firearm’s registered ownership is being verified through federal tracing systems.
