Search For Man Closed State Park For Hours

The search for a man that was feared to be a danger to himself forced officials to close sections of Versailles State Park for hours and ended with a single gunshot.

The 41-year-old man is currently in critical condition at University of Cincinnati Hospital for injuries sustained from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Authorities were first notified Tuesday afternoon that the man may have been at the state park and possibly suicidal.

A search was conducted around bike trails, hiking trails, the fishing area and campground of the park. Police had to stall search efforts due to darkness until Wednesday morning. Portions of the park were restricted temporarily to protect the public.

Police say they found a man matching the description of the subject at the beach house restroom around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

When conservation officers approached the man and asked for identification, he walked back into the restroom. That’s when authorities say they heard a single gunshot. First aid was performed and he was transported the Cincinnati hospital.

The investigation is still under investigation.