CHILLICOTHE — The Chillicothe Police Department handled a wide range of criminal activity on Wednesday, March 4, including a violent assault on a local business manager, a thwarted $2,500 scam, and multiple reports of burglary and theft.
Aggravated Burglary at Local Drive-Thru
The most serious incident of the day occurred at approximately 3:07 p.m. at the Expressway Drive Thru on E. Main Street. Officers were dispatched to the scene following reports that multiple subjects had entered the business and assaulted the manager. The case is currently being investigated as an Aggravated Burglary involving the infliction of harm.
$2,500 Sephora Gift Card Scam Narrowly Averted
An elderly couple narrowly escaped a significant financial loss after falling victim to a “pushy” telephone scammer. The victims told officers they were pressured into purchasing $2,500 in Sephora gift cards at the local Kohl’s on River Trace Lane.
Fortunately, after speaking with a family member who recognized the red flags, the couple refrained from providing the gift card information to the scammer. Police responded to the meeting on N. Paint Street to document the incident.
Burglaries and Thefts Under Investigation
The morning hours saw a surge in reports of property crimes and trespassing:
- Clay Street Burglary: At 8:31 a.m., officers responded to a possible burglary involving a trespass in an occupied structure.
- Post Office Incident: A call to the Post Office on S. Walnut Street at 9:38 a.m. originally reported as criminal damaging was later identified as a theft investigation.
- Candy Shop Theft: In the evening, officers were dispatched to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on N. Paint Street regarding a shoplifting report.
- Western Avenue: A theft without consent was reported in the 700 block of Western Avenue just after 10:00 a.m.
Traffic and Patrol Highlights
- Ladder Collision: A minor accident occurred on N. Paint Street near Water Street when a traveling vehicle struck a ladder extending from a parked truck. While the vehicle’s mirror was damaged, the ladder and the parked truck remained unharmed.
- Warrant Arrest: While patrolling Mill Street, an officer recognized Mandy R. Hammond and took her into custody on an active warrant.
- Identity Fraud: A report for identity fraud was filed on N. Paint Street at 1:24 p.m.
The day concluded with officers responding to a Criminal Trespass call on Columbus Street just before 11:00 p.m. Investigations into many of these incidents, including the assault at the drive-thru and the threats reported on Medical Drive, remain ongoing.
