Penn State student Bronwyn Lehman changed her travel plans when she returned from Thanksgiving break.

But it wasn't because of an early morning class or because she wanted to stay home with her family longer.

She was afraid of being shot.

Students from Ohio, including Lehman (junior-journalism), who returned to campus this week and are preparing to leave again for winter break, have to confront the issue of an alleged serial shooter or shooters along a stretch of Interstate 270 south of Columbus.

"It was scary. It hit close to home," Lehman said.

"When I come back to school I usually take I-270, but since I heard about this I didn't want to take the risk."

This week police linked four of the shootings using ballistics, but officials believe all 12 that occurred in the area this year are connected. One woman died from a shooting in the area on Nov. 23.

Pennsylvania State Police officials are recommending that drivers avoid the area of the shootings, said Trooper Linette Quinn, state police spokeswoman in Harrisburg.

Residents should try to find alternate routes and contact local police for other, safe roads, she added.

Shelly Butterfield (freshman-life science) said she heard about the highway shootings from her parents before she went home for Thanksgiving break.

"This is very surprising. Ohio is a boring state, and this is scary," said Butterfield, a Columbus native.

Although she doesn't use Interstate 270 to go home, she said her father used it to go to work.

He altered his route because of the perceived danger, and a friend's father felt obligated to do the same, she added.

Lehman said she has heard police are trying to apprehend the person or persons responsible.

"I know there's been an increased police force, and they're tracing the bullets," she said.

Kate Werner (junior-special education), who lives near Cleveland, said she hopes her friends who attend The Ohio State University drive cautiously because many have to travel the route where the shootings took place.

"The chances of anything happening are slim. You've got to get where you've got to go," Werner said.

"I wouldn't be persuaded not to drive around."

Pennsylvania State Police will get involved in the investigation for the shooter or shooters if the current investigators believe their help is needed, Quinn said.

"I'm sure if asked, we'd help," she said.

Quinn said she believes the state police are not currently involved.