CIRCLEVILLE, OH — Local law enforcement managed a high volume of calls over the March 6th weekend, recording 119 incidents ranging from violent altercations and property crimes to proactive safety patrols.
Violence and Major Incidents
The weekend saw several reports of physical violence and serious criminal activity:
- Burglary in Progress: Early Friday morning at 6:10 AM, officers rushed to East Mound Street for a burglary in progress. A formal report was taken as investigators gathered information at the scene.
- Assault & Protection Orders: An assault was reported on Renick Avenue early Saturday morning, while a separate incident on West Main Street resulted in a report for a Violation of a Protection Order.
- Public Fights: Officers responded to a fight on East Main Street at 1:45 AM Friday. Another fight was reported on Lancaster Pike Saturday night, though the participants had fled before police arrived.
Traffic Hazards and Hit-Skips
Road safety was a primary concern as several drivers attempted to flee the scenes of accidents:
- Hit-Skip Arrest: At 2:59 AM Friday, police responded to an injury accident on Lancaster Pike. A “hit-skip” (hit-and-run) driver was successfully located and placed under arrest.
- Garden Parkway Hit-Skip: A second hit-and-run, this one involving property damage only, occurred on Garden Parkway later that morning.
- Impaired Driving: Despite several reports of drunk drivers on US 23 and West Main Street, most suspects were “gone on arrival.” However, one driver was successfully intercepted and arrested on East Main Street at 3:43 AM Saturday.
Property Crimes and Vandalism
The community saw a uptick in property-related complaints over the three-day period:
- Theft & B&E: Reports of theft were taken on South Pickaway Street, South Washington Street, and South Court Street. A breaking and entering call on Ludwig Drive was referred to another agency for handling.
- Vandalism: Incidents of criminal damaging were reported on Pontious Lane, South Pickaway Street, South Court Street, and East Ohio Street.
- Narcotics: On Sunday afternoon, officers responded to Morris Road for a “found property” call which resulted in a narcotics report.
Community Welfare and Homelessness
Officers and EMS performed several welfare checks throughout the weekend. On Friday morning, a homeless individual on East Union Street was checked and found to be okay, while another individual on South Pickaway Street was transported to the hospital by squad later that afternoon. On Saturday, another report regarding a homeless individual was taken on Harrison Street.
By the Numbers:
- Total Calls: 119
- Extra Patrols/Business Checks: 21 (Conducted primarily in the downtown business district)
- Traffic Stops: 11 (Resulting in 7 warnings, 2 citations, and 2 arrests)
