CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Police Department (CPD) released its daily media report on Friday, detailing 13 incidents handled by law enforcement on May 21, 2026. The day’s events were highlighted by a late-night juvenile tracking incident at Yoctangee Park that escalated into multiple arrests, a suspected assault at a downtown restaurant, and a warrant execution at a local business.
Missing Juvenile Search at Yoctangee Park Leads to Arrests
Just past midnight at 12:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Dog Park at Yoctangee Parkway following reports of a missing juvenile. While investigating the child’s whereabouts, officers encountered individuals on-site whose actions led to formal charges.
The incident resulted in charges of Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Official Business, and Curfew Violations for Minors. The investigation into the incident remains open.
Assault Investigation at Downtown Eatery
At 12:27 p.m., police responded to a call at The Old Canal Smoke House, located on East Water Street. Officers arrived at the restaurant in reference to a suspected assault. The department has classified the incident as disorderly conduct while an investigation into the altercation continues.
Burglary, Trespassing, and Property Damage
Property crimes and neighborhood disputes kept officers active throughout the day:
- Burglary: At 1:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to Enterprise Place Drive to handle a breaking and entering report after a residential burglary was discovered.
- Cargill Property Damage: Police responded to the Cargill facility on South Watt Street at 3:42 p.m. to investigate a criminal mischief complaint involving damage to the property.
- North Bridge Street Trespass: A criminal trespass complaint drew officers to the North Bridge Street commercial corridor at 11:54 a.m.
- Manor Park Incident: Officers took a disorderly conduct report at 8:02 a.m. regarding an ongoing neighborhood issue at Manor Park, located just off Cedarwood Drive and Fruit Hill.
Traffic Violations & Warrant Arrests
During evening patrols, a sharp-eyed officer successfully apprehended a wanted individual. At 8:47 p.m., an officer spotted Dustin Welch near the ParMar store at 61 N. Bridge Street. Knowing Welch carried an active warrant, the officer confirmed the documentation through dispatch and placed him under arrest.
Welch was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was served a Ross County Sheriff’s Office warrant for Probation Violation (PV) stemming from an underlying drug abuse instruments case. He is being held without bond ahead of his scheduled morning court appearance.
Additionally, traffic units responded to two separate Code 2 motor vehicle accidents: one at 9:29 a.m. on East 2nd Street involving a driver’s failure to yield while entering the roadway, and a second at 12:07 p.m. on North High Street involving a failure to maintain an Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA).
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Investigations into these active cases remain ongoing by the Chillicothe Police Department.
