TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio --


A suspect is in custody in connection with a shooting that injured two men in New Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Firefighters said the shooting was reported in the 1000 block of Maple Avenue Northwest outside of an apartment complex just two blocks from West Elementary School in an area neighbors described as typically quiet.

Witnesses reported hearing three gunshots. Police Chief Jeff Urban said he believes the shooting was related to a drug deal and could be connected to another shooting in the city in recent months.

A 9 mm handgun was recovered about three or four blocks from the scene. As of 5:20 p.m., police did not release the suspect's name or details of how he was taken into custody.


Police said shots were fired into an older-model green Ford with Ohio license plates while two men were inside the car. Investigators said the gunman fled toward the school, which was on lockdown for several hours.

Both men in the car were shot in the leg. Emergency crews took one of the men to a New Philadelphia hospital, while the other victim was airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital with more serious injuries.

New Philadelphia City Schools Superintendent Bob Alsept said West Elementary on Tuscarawas Avenue was put on lockdown after a recommendation from the police department.

Alsept said he could not comment on why the school was asked to go on lockdown but said all students were secure. He also said students, faculty and staff at the school have practiced for situations like this. The school was on lockdown until police said they believed the gunman was gone from the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or the NEWS9 Lauttamus Security Crimebusters Tipline at 800-862-BUST.


Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage as details become available.