Lancaster, Ohio – On April 15, 2024, at approximately 5:27 p.m., the Lancaster Police Department (LPD) responded to a distress call reporting a potential shooting incident in the vicinity behind Target, situated at 1300 River Valley Blvd., Lancaster, OH. The alarming incident unfolded near the footbridge leading to Hocking Park.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers swiftly located a victim in the vicinity of the footbridge, who disclosed sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. Fortunately, the injury was assessed as minor and non-life-threatening.
Subsequent investigative efforts by patrol officers and detectives led to the identification of the suspect as 28-year-old Lancaster resident Kaalis Hampton.
In the early hours of April 16, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the LPD’s Special Response Team (SRT) descended upon a residence in the 100 block of E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH, where Hampton was believed to be located. Demonstrating cooperation, Hampton voluntarily exited the premises and was apprehended without resistance. During the arrest, authorities discovered a stolen firearm at the residence.
Further investigation revealed that the victim and Hampton were acquaintances who had a chance encounter at Hocking Park, which escalated into a heated altercation. In the heat of the dispute, Hampton discharged a single shot at the victim, resulting in the injury.
Hampton now faces serious charges, including Felonious Assault (ORC 2903.11), classified as a felony of the 2nd degree, and Receiving Stolen Property (ORC 2913.51), categorized as a felony of the 4th degree.
Following his arrest, Hampton was remanded to the custody of Fairfield County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
