Kimberly Gasuras

kgasuras@bucyrustelegraphforum.com

BUCYRUS – With the news of four confirmed suspicious deaths spreading through the city, residents are on high alert.

Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent said his office and other law enforcement agencies are being inundated with phone calls.

"People are scared. They are calling to report anything at all suspicious, which is fine, we encourage them to do so," Kent said.

Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall said one report out of a hundred could end up being really important.

"You never know which one will be the call that turns out to really be something, so it's important for people to call," said Crall.

An elderly couple were at the scene where a man was found dead on West Mansfield Street on Tuesday.

"I have a gun and a dog. I am thinking about doing work around my house at night and sleeping during the day," said the man, who did not want to be identified.

Rikki Eggelston lives near the scene at West Mansfield Street.

"My doors will be locked. I have a 4-month-old and an elderly father, I don't want this to happen to us. I hope all this just goes away. I live right across the alley from the guy on Mansfield Street, and waking up seeing this was terrifying. It makes me not want to sleep at night," Eggelston said.

Doug Lambert, who also lives near the West Mansfield Street scene, said the situation will change the way he does things.

"I will certainly lock up more now," Lambert said.

Kitty and Joe Hook went to the scene with two of their four children.

"With the drugs, weirdos on the streets and now four murders, I feel like our town is not safe anymore. My kids have iPhones with the locate service, and I don't let them out after dark," Kitty Hook said.

Mandy Richardson said she has lived in Bucyrus most of her life.

"I thought my kids would be safe in this town. Everything that has happened in these days has me thinking differently. I understand that this is everywhere in the world. My heart goes out to the families that have lost a loved one," Richardson said.

Brittany Norman said she is scared to death.

"This was a quiet little town, but now it's not," said Norman.

Patty Robinett said her doors are locked and her house alarm is on.

"I used to sleep with windows and doors open, not no more. It is sad. I have lived here all my life and never had to live like this. I don't even want to get out of the house," Robinett said.

April Payne said she is scared for the safety of her children and family.

"This used to be a town where if you forgot to lock your doors, it wasn't a big deal, and now there are four murders in 24 hours. I won't forget to lock my door ever again," Payne said.

Vikki Kennedy said she has lived in big cities where similar incidents are part of everyday life.

"We don't really pay attention until it hits home. It is a very scary thing. Bucyrus used to be a safe, wonderful town and it can be again. We all just need to pull together. Watch out for your neighbors. Everyone doing a little helps a lot. Pray for our city, our leaders and our residents," Kennedy said. "This will not make me want to move, but it will make me be more aware."

kgasuras@nncogannett.com

419-563-9213

Twitter: @kimberlygasuras