News
Update: Police Believe Suspect No Longer In Athens Area
By: Alyssa Hansen, Cheri Russo
Posted on:
Update 10:55 a.m Ohio University has notified staff and students via emergency text message they no longer believe bank robbery suspect Billy Caudill to be in the Athens area.
"As of 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, we believe any threat to the campus and community has passed," said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers in an email from the university.
According to the release, Caudill was not located, but police received information that he has left the area.
OUPD and Athens police received numerous calls from concerned residents last night. Police searched the area of Union and Shafer Streets, where Caudill was reportedly seen. Police also searched the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, which stretches from Athens to Nelsonville.
Update 5:05 a.m.
Ohio University Police are still searching for a Fairfield County bank robbery suspect that was spotted near the Athens campus Thursday night.
OU students' inboxes and voicemails were flooded with text messages, phone calls, and e-mails last night from the university, after the armed fugitive was reported near campus.
Billy Caudill was seen near the intersection of Union and Shafer streets.
Caudill is wanted in connection with the Wednesday robbery of a People's bank in Carroll in Fairfield County.
The university began contacting students around 7 p.m.
Senior Nick Baer lives on West State Street.
He says he feels that the university did a good job of alerting students and suspects the messages may even help lead to the capture of Caudill.
"I think the guy will probably leave once he figured out that everybody got that message," says Baer. "I'd lock the doors at night."
Baer says he and his neighbors are going to stay on alert as long as Caudill remains at large.
"They were worried, too. They live on West State as well, so you know, they got their doors locked. They're just taking every precaution to make sure nothing bad happens."
Police are asking those on campus not to call their office for updates. They say emergency notifications will go out when there is more information.
Update 8:42 p.m.
Ohio University Police say there is no need for people on the Athens campus to lock themselves in or shelter in place while police search for a robbery suspect.
A man who is wanted in connection with the Wednesday robbery of a People's bank in Fairfield County was spotted near campus.
Police say Billy Claudill is considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators say Caudill is 5 feet 7 inches, weighs 195 pounds, has hazel eyes and is believed to be clean shaven with a shaved head.
His last known location was in the vicinity of Union and Shaffer Streets.
Additional officers are on patrol in the area.
There is no word on Caudill's location at this time.
Ohio University Police say a man who is wanted in connection with the Wednesday robbery of a People's bank in Fairfield County has been spotted near campus.
They say Billy Claudill is considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators say Caudill is 5 feet 7 inches, weighs 195 pounds, has hazel eyes and is believed to be clean shaven with a shaved head.
His last known location was in the vicinity of Union and Shaffer Streets.
Officers say people should avoid the area, don't walk alone, and report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
OUPD has called in extra officers who are on patrol in the area.
The university has information posted on its website and has sent out emergency text alerts.