A Chillicothe man was arrested on November 24, 2024, after he attempted to steal over $600 worth of merchandise from Rural King, including clothing and food items. The suspect, later identified as Bradley Steele, was apprehended by officers after a brief chase.
The incident began when a store manager at Rural King, reported that a male suspect had pushed out a shopping cart filled with unpaid items, including a Carhartt coat, boots, Under Armour shirt, two pairs of Ariat jeans, and food, valued at approximately $620.79. Woods informed police that the suspect walked to the back of the parking lot, then carried the cart’s contents behind a nearby Dollar General store.
Officers patrolled the area and were soon alerted that a man matching the suspect’s description was spotted near Lowes on Bridge Street. Officers found Steele in the garden area of Lowes. When they approached him, Steele attempted to flee, but was quickly apprehended after a brief struggle. He was found to be wearing some of the stolen clothing, including the Carhartt coat and Ariat jeans, which were still tagged from the store.
During questioning, Steele claimed that he had been recently released from prison and that his family had purchased the items for him. However, when officers examined the tags on the jeans he was wearing, it became clear that he had lied. Steele eventually admitted to taking the items from Rural King and even tried to accuse the officer of theft when his jeans were returned to the store.
Steele, who also had an outstanding warrant for trespassing through Pike County, was charged with Theft, Obstructing Official Business, and the outstanding Trespassing warrant. He was transported to Ross County Jail, where he was booked and advised of his charges. Steele was also informed that he is barred from returning to Rural King.
Steele is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on November 25, 2024, at 9:00 AM to face the charges.
