Columbus, Ohio – On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 208 an altercation occurred shortly after 9 p.m. at Franklin University between a Columbus Division of Police Officer working Special Duty at the University and an unnamed individual.  The incident started in an alley near campus and ended on the sidewalk near one of the University buildings.  During the altercation, the officer was assaulted and has since been treated and released.  The unnamed individual was injured and is currently at Grant Hospital.  At this time there is no indication that the unnamed individual has any relationship to the University, its staff, faculty or students. Students were evacuated with assistance from the Columbus Division of Police.  

Franklin is committed to providing a safe campus for its students and staff.  The University employs Special Duty Police Officers to support this commitment and this type of unfortunate incident is rare at our University.  Last evening’s incident is currently being investigated by the Columbus Division of Police.

Franklin has been actively enhancing security measures and our relationships within the community.  In addition to Columbus Division of Police Special Duty Officers, staff, faculty and students on Franklin’s campus benefit from the collective safety and security resources of Armada Security and the Special Interest District (SID) which provides additional law enforcement coverage.  Additionally, all classrooms have been supplied with Emergency Management Guides and phones to provide direction and communications during a time of crisis. 

An important tool the University has also implemented is the Franklin University Alerts system.  This emergency mass-notification system was effectively utilized last night to activate the University’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) within minutes of the above occurrence.  Members of the ERT evaluated the situation and based on normal campus hours made the determination not to issue a University alert. Notification of this incident was made to all students through the University’s Intranet site, and to all staff and faculty through email and Intranet.

Classes will be held and all offices open today, Wednesday, Oct. 22.  A University meeting was held this morning to again share information as well as answer employee questions.  Updated incident information and general safety and security communications were also provided to all students, faculty and staff today.  Franklin leadership will be available from 5 – 6:30 p.m. this evening at its Main Campus, downtown and three suburban locations to address any staff, faculty or student concerns.

About Franklin University

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is central Ohio's leading and most experienced educator of adult students. Annually, more than 10,000 students attend Franklin, both on campus and online. Franklin offers 19 undergraduate majors and three graduate programs, and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.