BREAKING NEWS: City hall evacuated on report of gunman NOW WITH VIDEO

Ottawa police and sheriff’s deputies are continuing to investigate a report of a gunman near Ottawa City Hall, 101 S. Hickory St., around 9:30 a.m. today. However, it appears the man did not actually enter the building, and likely did not violate any laws.

Police Chief Dennis Butler said officers continue to search for a man seen carrying a rifle or some type of long gun around downtown Ottawa. At least three people reported seeing the man, who at one point walked across the parking lot at City Hall.

Initially, it was thought the man may have entered the City Hall building, which also houses the Ottawa Library, so all occupants were evacuated while police searched the building.

After two searches of the building came up empty, police reviewed video survellience, Butler said. It appears the man did not enter the building, he said.

About a half hour after police arrived, people were allowed back in the building.

An officer will remain at the building throughout the day as a precaution, Butler said.

Police responded appropriately for the situation, Butler said. Every available officer from the police department and some sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene.

“We take this seriously,” he said.

There is no law against carrying a gun in public as long as the person is not brandishing the weapon to threaten someone, Butler said.

“But that doesn’t mean people aren’t afraid when they see someone doing that,” he said.

The man is described as a white man in his 20s, about 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, wearing a baseball cap, blue jeans and a shirt with cut-off sleeves. He  appeared to be carrying a rifle with a long gun barrel with the stock on his shoulder and his hand on the barrel, Butler said.

The man was spotted by at least three people, including a delivery truck driver. A City Hall employee looking out the window from the second floor of the building, saw the man walk across the parking lot, and Scott Bird, the director of finance for the city, called police, Butler said.

It also was reported that Ransom Memorial Hospital, the Gollier Rehabilitation Center and at least one bank were on lockdown at some point this morning.

Police also were responding to reports of men carrying weapons and stopped several people throughout the day, but none matched the suspect.