OPD responds to Walmart bomb threat, Miami drug search during busy week

The Oxford Police Department (OPD) responded to several incidents, including a bomb threat at Walmart and damaged FLOCK cameras, between May 4 and 11.

On May 4, just before 7 p.m., officers received a report of a male possibly in need of medical assistance, according to the OPD media report. The male was found to be intoxicated, underage and in possession of a fictitious license. He was cited and released.

On May 5, just after 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle, according to the OPD media report. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

On May 5, just before 5 p.m., a male came into the Oxford police station to report an assault, according to the OPD media report.

On May 5, at 5 p.m., the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Miami University reported damage caused by fireworks to their building on Tallawanda Road, according to the OPD media report.

On May 6, just after 10:30 a.m., an unknown person broke a large window pane insert on a front door to a house in the 200 block of South Main Street, according to the OPD media report.

On May 6, just before 4 p.m., OPD received a call regarding a dog bite that occurred on April 30, according to the OPD media report.

On May 7, just after 10:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to Walmart in response to a phoned-in bomb threat received by customer service, according to the OPD media report.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center initially received the call from a Walmart employee, and OPD was dispatched accordingly, according to the press release. A secure perimeter was established around the store with assistance from the Miami University Police Department. The Oxford Fire Department was also dispatched as a precautionary measure.

At 11:01 a.m., a K-9 unit from the Miami University Police Department, trained in the detection of explosives, arrived and searched the store. There was no location or indication of an explosive device, and the store was reopened at 11:40 a.m. The case remains open, according to the press release.

Anyone with information on the source of the call is asked to contact the OPD tip line at 513-524-5268.

On May 7, just after 5:30 p.m., a male reported that his electric bike had been stolen after the lock was cut, according to the OPD media report.

On May 7, just before midnight, an officer observed a male jumping on the roof of a car in the 100 block of North Poplar Street, according to the OPD media report. After police learned the car did not belong to him and was damaged, the male was charged.

On May 7, at 5:30 p.m., a male reported that he and his canine were bitten by a dog, according to the OPD media report.

On May 8, just before 11 a.m., a search warrant was conducted at 215 South College Ave., according to the OPD media report. Four males were detained and transported for questioning. Cocaine, electronics, and other paraphernalia were seized, according to the press release.

Will Esler, a resident of 215 S. College Ave and a Miami University student, was charged with the possession of a controlled substance – more than 27 grams of cocaine – and trafficking in drugs. He was transported to the Butler County Jail.

The search was part of a month-long investigation that is still ongoing, according to the press release, and anyone with additional information on drug activity is encouraged to contact OPD’s tip line at 513-524-5268.

On May 8, just after 3 p.m., a guardian reported a juvenile did not come home after getting off the bus, according to the OPD media report. The juvenile was entered into Ohio's Law Enforcement Automated Data System as missing.

On May 8, just after 8:30 p.m., officers were contacted by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for a report of a laptop with alleged child pornography on it, according to the OPD media report. The investigation is still ongoing.

On May 9, just after 2 a.m., a fight occurred at OxVegas Chicken between several individuals, according to the OPD media report. An investigation is pending.

On May 9, just before 2 p.m., a male reported being assaulted in an alleyway on High Street, according to the OPD media report.

On May 9, just before 5 p.m., a male was observed crossing the street at the intersection of South Poplar Street and East Walnut Street with an open container, according to the OPD media report. He was found to be underage and in possession of two fictitious licenses. The male was cited and released.

On May 9, just after 11:30 p.m., a male reported being assaulted, according to the OPD media report.

On May 10, just before 12:30 a.m., a male was charged with underage consumption and disorderly conduct after he was located in another person’s front yard, shirtless and intoxicated, according to the OPD media report.

On May 10, just before 1:30 p.m., it was discovered that several FLOCK cameras around Oxford had been damaged and tampered with overnight, according to the OPD media report. Damage was also done to the poles and solar panels. It was unknown at the time of the report if the cameras could still function, according to the incident report, and there are currently no suspects.

Also during the week, OPD responded to mental health crises and domestic violence disputes.