Active Incident South of Mason Prompts Shelter-in-Place Order in Deerfield Township; Broader Alert Issued in Error
WARREN COUNTY, OH — July 26, 2025 — Residents in parts of Warren County experienced heightened concern Saturday morning after an emergency alert warning of an active incident south of Mason was mistakenly sent to multiple counties beyond the affected area.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has since clarified that the ongoing law enforcement situation is confined to the Deerfield Township and Woodfield subdivision areas, where residents are currently advised to shelter in place as a precaution.
Alert Issued to Wider Region by Mistake
Shortly after the alert was disseminated, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the message was sent in error to a broader region encompassing several neighboring counties. Officials emphasized that only residents within Deerfield Township and Woodfield need to take shelter at this time.
“This was a technical error in the alert system,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “We apologize for any confusion caused and urge residents outside the affected area to remain calm and resume normal activities.”
Shelter-in-Place Order in Effect
For residents within Deerfield Township and the Woodfield area, law enforcement stresses the importance of remaining indoors with doors and windows securely locked. Avoiding the area entirely is advised to allow officers to respond effectively to the incident.
At this time, authorities have not released detailed information about the nature of the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.
Community Response and Safety
Local officials have mobilized emergency personnel and are working closely to resolve the situation swiftly and safely. Residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates and adhere to all safety directives.
Improving Emergency Communication
The incident highlights the critical role of accurate communication during emergencies. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to review their alert protocols to minimize the risk of similar distribution errors in the future.
What Residents Should Do
- Residents in Deerfield Township and Woodfield: Shelter in place, secure all entry points, and avoid travel unless necessary.
- Residents outside the designated area: Continue regular activities but remain vigilant for updates.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement.
Contact Information
For updates or to report concerns, contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (513) 695-1311 or visit their official website.
Stay Informed
This situation remains fluid, and authorities will provide additional information as it becomes available. Residents are urged to stay tuned to trusted news sources and official communications.