OLIVET, Mich. — An Olivet College baseball player is recovering after being shot on Friday, following a scheduled game in Ohio. On Sunday, another Olivet graduate was charged with attempted murder.
The College says the baseball player was circling back to the dugout at the baseball field at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, where Olivet had just wrapped up a game. The player had left a personal item in the dugout and was heading back for it after the game.
While there, the player was shot. Law enforcement officials say he was shot three times; however, Olivet College says his wounds were not life-threatening.
Meanwhile, one suspect was taken into custody, identified as Franklin J. Grayson of Jacksonville, Florida.
He was a 2021 graduate of Olivet College, a spokesperson from Olivet College confirmed.
Grayson is now facing charges of attempted murder, along with felonious assault with a firearm. His charge could land him with 3-11 years in prison, as a first-degree felony offense.
Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office says additional charges may be filed, pending the completion of the investigation.
Eyewitnesses were key to apprehending the suspect, according to Ohio authorities. Law enforcement officials were able to contain what they called a "dangerous situation" and preserve the safety of the surrounding campus and community.
The Olivet athlete is currently in the hospital, recovering in stable condition.
No other injuries were reported in Friday night's shooting. The rest of the Olivet College baseball team was safe and returned home soon after.
Meanwhile, according to Olive College, law enforcement officials have no evidence of a relationship between Grayson and the victim, nor was there any known threat to the student-athlete.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the shooting.
On Saturday, Olivet College executive director of communications and marketing Michele McCauley issued the following statement to FOX 17:
"Last night, an incident occurred following the completion of our game at Muskingum University (OH), when a member of the team returned to the dugout to retrieve a forgotten personal item. Upon doing so, an incident occurred involving an individual with a firearm, who we understand is now in custody.
A student-athlete on the Comet baseball team received nonlife-threatening injuries, was treated at a local hospital, and has now been released into the care of his parents. The rest of the team is safe, spent the night safely at their hotel, and is now returning to Olivet. Saturday and Sunday’s scheduled games have been cancelled.
The College is in communication with the student-athletes and their parents and will continue to provide support in the days ahead. This is a challenging time for all involved and our attention is focused on supporting the student-athletes and staff members. Please keep your fellow Comets in your thoughts and prayers."
