LANCASTER, Ohio — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a 44-year-old local man following an overnight domestic disturbance involving active gunfire on Thursday morning.
Officers with the Lancaster Police Department were dispatched to a residence at 216 Witte Street at approximately 1:16 a.m. on September 3, 2026, after receiving reports of a domestic dispute and gunshots. Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers heard additional gunshots echoing from the area of the home.
While on scene, officers encountered a woman and two juveniles fleeing the residence. Police immediately evacuated all three individuals and moved them to a safe location. No injuries were reported in connection with the gunfire.
Due to the active nature of the incident, members of the Lancaster Police Department’s Special Response Team and Detective Bureau were called in to assist. Tactical officers later executed a search warrant on the Witte Street home, but a clearance of the building revealed no suspects inside.
Investigators have identified Joseph Christopher Smith, 44, of Lancaster, as a person of interest in connection with the incident and are actively seeking his whereabouts.
Police advise the public not to approach Smith if spotted. Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the Lancaster Police Department immediately at 740-687-6680 or dial 911.
The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing
