Ramseyer Farms evacuated after false reports spread of an active shooter

Visitors at Wayne County's Ramseyer Farms were evacuated Friday afternoon after false reports spread of an active shooter on the 161-acre property.

Those reports, which came alongside other false shooter threats in the area, turned out to be a false alarm, Raymseyer Farms' owners posted on Facebook.

"There never was an active shooter on the property today," they wrote in a statement on Facebook. "The false alarm was likely sparked by news of other prank calls in the community today and (incited) by panic."

The false alarm came at around 2 p.m., and under direction from local law enforcement, the Smithville farm instructed guests to leave the property, the statement read.

Witness Matt Caetta, told the Beacon Journal via Facebook Messenger that an announcement was made on the speaker to stay away from the corn barn.

A few minutes later the announcement was repeated, and people started to move away, Caetta said.

"I heard a woman who came out saying active shooter but I heard no shots," said Caetta.

Law enforcement searched the grounds and confirmed there was no shooter. The all-clear came at 3:25 p.m. to reopen.

"To all of our guests who were on the farm today at the time of the incident: We are sincerely sorry that you had to experience this today," the statement read. "We understand how unnerving it may have felt, and we really appreciate your calm cooperation today."

Anyone with questions about tickets, lost items or anything else can contact Ramseyer Farms with a full description and photos at info@ramseyerfarms.com.

"We want to thank our local law enforcement officers for their prompt and thorough service, to ensure the safety of our guests and team members!" the farm wrote. "We also want to thank our team members who remained calm, put our guests' safety first, and showed support to our guests who needed assistance or needed to be reunited with family members."

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ramseyer Farms evacuated after false reports spread of an active shooter