Columbus Zoo, Ohio, ‘active shooter’ rumors panic Easter weekend visitors as cops tase man after traffic accident

POLICE tased a man after he fled his car during a traffic accident at a zoo on Friday – but rumors quickly spread that there was an active shooter.

Authorities quickly debunked the rumors saying no shots were fired at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio.

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Visitors at the Columbus Zoo went into panic following false reports of an active shooter[/caption]

The phony reports were sparked on social media as an active shooter situation when a patron reportedly yelled “shooter” after hearing a loud “popping” sound.

However, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office discredited the reports, saying a person at the zoo was tased by a deputy, but no gunfire was exchanged.

The Columbus Zoo said the incident was caused by a traffic accident in front of the zoo shortly after 2pm.

An individual driving a Jeep did not follow the officer’s direction and quickly drove into the Zoo parking lot, and the officer followed, the zoo said in a statement.

The driver of the Jeep jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, which led to a pursuit from the officer and additional police assistance.

When the individual did not stop, an officer drew their weapon and the other officer tased the individual.

The zoo confirmed no gunfire was exchanged and the individual and officers did not enter the facility.

The sheriff’s office confirmed the person was taken into custody after being tased.

The zoo will remain open for the rest of the day despite the incident.

Although no shots were fired, zoo guests described the experience as the “scariest moment of their life.”

“Thankful for the quick reaction of @ColumbusZoo after what happened at the park today. Scariest moment of my life,” one guest tweeted.

Another visitor shared: “We ran and hid until it was safe and we are now going home. We are all safe. Easily the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced with my children. Hug your families extra tight today please.”

“A beautiful Good Friday day date with my daughters to the Columbus Zoo quickly turned into the scariest moment of my life when suddenly waves of people took off running due to reports of an Active Shooter,” shared a third guest.