Dayton Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Crime After Campus Shootout

19-year-old Dylan Hiner faces up to 5 years in prison for illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Dylan Hiner, a 19-year-old Dayton resident, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for another felony crime. The charges stem from a shootout at a Halloween party on November 1, 2025, at the University of Dayton, where Hiner fired multiple rounds into the air.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and illegal firearm possession, especially on college campuses. The guilty plea is part of a broader federal initiative to combat violent crime and illegal activity.

The details

Authorities from the Dayton Police Department and University of Dayton Police Department responded to the scene, discovering multiple rounds and reviewing home surveillance footage. Hiner was federally charged on November 10, 2025, while already under indictment in Montgomery County for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle.

  • On November 1, 2025, Hiner allegedly fired multiple rounds into the air at a Halloween party on the University of Dayton campus.
  • On November 10, 2025, Hiner was federally charged for illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment.

The players

Dylan Hiner

A 19-year-old Dayton resident who pleaded guilty to illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for another felony crime.

Dominick S. Gerace II

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio who announced Hiner's guilty plea.

Jorge Rosendo

The Special Agent in Charge of the ATF who was involved in the case.

Kamran Afzal

The Dayton Police Chief who was involved in the case.

Steve Durian

The University of Dayton Police Chief who was involved in the case.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and illegal firearm possession, especially on college campuses.”

— Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio (dayton247now.com)

What’s next

Hiner is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2026, where he could face up to 5 years in prison for the gun crime charge.

The takeaway

This guilty plea is part of a broader federal initiative to combat violent crime and illegal activity, underscoring the ongoing challenges of gun violence and illegal firearm possession, especially in sensitive areas like college campuses.