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Police Incident Leads to Road Closure in Columbia Borough

Police officers at a road closure in Columbia Borough

Columbia Borough, October 3, 2025

News Summary

A police incident in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County has led to the temporary closure of Chickies Hill Road/Rt. 441 due to reports of shots fired in the area. The incident was resolved with no injuries reported. Authorities apprehended a suspect, Librado Ortiz-Caban, who faces multiple charges. Local residents expressed growing concern over the rise in gunfire incidents in the community.

Columbia Borough, Lancaster County

A police incident in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, has temporarily closed Chickies Hill Road/Rt. 441 between Columbia and Marietta. The road closure was implemented to ensure safety as police addressed the situation following reports of shots fired in the area. The incident was resolved by police around 7:20 p.m., with no injuries reported.

According to the authorities, the police were alerted to the scene due to calls reporting shots fired. In response, text alerts were sent to borough residents at approximately 6:10 p.m., advising them to avoid the area due to a heavy police presence. The alert specifically noted that the 600 block of Avenue H was closed and urged residents to stay clear of the location until further notice.

State police officers were observed collecting evidence at the site as the investigation unfolded. The presence of the State Police Forensic Services Unit further emphasized the seriousness of the incident. Neighbors expressed anxiety over the recent rise in gunfire incidents in their community, with one witness recalling hearing three distinct shots.

In a related development, Columbia police apprehended 65-year-old Librado Ortiz-Caban around the same time for a shots fired incident on South Fifth Street. Officers observed him holding a pistol after responding to the shots fired call. Ortiz-Caban is now facing charges that include possession of a prohibited firearm, recklessly endangering another person, and defiant trespass.

Authorities engaged with several witnesses in the vicinity, who also reported hearing gunfire. The incident, which led to the road’s closure, involved a significant police presence following a call regarding shots fired along the 600 block of Walnut Street. Police have since cleared the area, and the situation is currently under investigation as officials gather more information.

Summary of the Incident

  • Location: Columbia Borough, Lancaster County
  • Event: Police incident leading to road closure
  • Time Resolved: 7:20 p.m.
  • No Injuries: Reported
  • Reason for Police Presence: Reports of shots fired
  • Arrest Made: 65-year-old Librado Ortiz-Caban
  • Charges: Possession of a prohibited firearm, recklessly endangering another person, defiant trespass

Background Context

Columbia Borough, known for its tight-knit community, has recently faced concerns about the prevalence of gunfire in the area. Residents are increasingly anxious as incidents involving gunfire seem to be on the rise. This particular situation was the latest chapter in a series of troubling events that have drawn attention from local authorities and the community at large. Police actions, including the road closure and the response from the State Police Forensic Services Unit, reflect the seriousness with which such incidents are treated in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What caused the road closure in Columbia Borough?

The road was closed due to a police incident involving reports of shots fired.

2. When was the police incident resolved?

The incident was resolved by police around 7:20 p.m.

3. Were there any injuries reported?

No injuries were reported during the incident.

4. What charges were filed against Librado Ortiz-Caban?

Ortiz-Caban was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, recklessly endangering another person, and defiant trespass.

5. What has the community’s response been regarding gunfire incidents?

Neighbors have expressed concern about the prevalence of gunfire in the area.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature Detail
Location Columbia Borough, Lancaster County
Time of Incident Investigated around 6:10 p.m., resolved by 7:20 p.m.
Cause Reports of shots fired
Police Involvement State Police, local police engaged with witnesses
Arrest Librado Ortiz-Caban, charges include possession of a prohibited firearm
Community Reaction Concern over increased gunfire incidents

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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