Butler County deputies are actively searching for 31-year-old Hamilton resident Zachary Brandon Nicol, who is wanted on third-degree felony warrants for having weapons while under disability and escape, according to sheriff’s officials. Nicol is described as 5-foot-9 and about 145 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, and his last known address is 924 Haverhill Drive in Hamilton. Authorities are urging residents not to approach him and to contact law enforcement immediately if he is seen.
Warrant Wednesday bulletin
According to the Butler County Sheriff's Office, the "Warrant Wednesday" notice posted Feb. 18 names Nicol and lists active charges of Weapons Under Disability and Escape. The bulletin includes Nicol’s date of birth (March 27, 1994), physical description and last known address, and asks anyone who spots him to call 9-1-1 or the Warrants Division at 513-785-1278.
Local coverage and prior indictments
WHIO republished the sheriff’s wanted notice with the same description and instructions for reporting tips. Earlier coverage shows Nicol was named in a grand-jury indictment returned in October 2025 that listed drug- and weapons-related counts, according to the Journal-News. Hoodline has also highlighted the sheriff’s efforts to crowdsource leads through its Warrant Wednesday initiative.
What the charges mean
Under Ohio law, having weapons while under disability is a third-degree felony that prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms or dangerous ordnance. Escape is covered by a separate statute and can also be charged as a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances. See Section 2923.13 of the Ohio Revised Code and Section 2921.34 of the Ohio Revised Code for the statutory language and classifications.
How to report tips
Deputies caution the public not to approach Nicol. If you believe you see him, call 9-1-1 or the Warrants Division at 513-785-1278, and use non-emergency dispatch at 513-785-1300 for non-urgent information. The sheriff’s office also takes anonymous tips by text by sending the keyword "COPS" to 274637 and through an online tip portal. Full contact information and tip options are listed on the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
