CHILLICOTHE, OH — A series of incidents involving vandalism, threats, and public misconduct unfolded on Scioto Avenue over the weekend, leading to an arrest and ongoing investigations, according to Chillicothe Police Department reports from May 18-19, 2025.
The initial incident occurred on May 18 at 11:12 PM when Officer Shelby Lott was dispatched to 199 Scioto Ave following a vandalism report (Case PD-P2502625). The complainant reported that the right rear tire of their silver 2011 Toyota Corolla had been slashed. The vehicle was parked on the east side of the street after being moved earlier that evening. Two witnesses corroborated the events, stating they believed the suspect lived across the street at 202 Scioto Ave.
Earlier that day, around 5:45 PM, two females from 202 Scioto Ave had confronted the residents of 199 Scioto Ave via their Ring doorbell, upset about vehicles parked on the public street in front of their home. Video footage captured the females making derogatory remarks, accompanied by two males, one of whom was wearing a durag. One witness reported seeing the male with the durag slash a tire on a gray Hyundai Elantra with a pocket knife, followed by threats including, “We don’t fight fair, we’ll kill with a knife or a shoot or stab,” “Yeah I stabbed your tire bitch ass cracker,” and “Move your cars or you’ll be suffering from this.” The Elantra sustained no visible damage, and the witness declined to press charges despite feeling threatened. The Toyota’s tire was slashed later that evening, prompting the victims to request charges be filed.
Officers attempted to contact residents at 202 Scioto Ave but were initially unsuccessful. At 2:22 AM on May 19, Officer Katrina Hallam returned after the victims reported the suspects were at their residence. Hallam identified two individuals, one matching the description of the male with the durag, who admitted to arguing with the victims over street parking but denied slashing the tire. They claimed another individual, Jamal Ward, was present but could not confirm his whereabouts. Hallam clarified that parking on public streets is legal and advised the pair to avoid further confrontations and contact police if needed.
The situation escalated at 2:46 AM when Hallam was dispatched again to Scioto Ave. The word “Rat” was found written in baking soda on the street in front of the victims’ residence, with a baking soda box nearby. The complainant provided video footage showing the male suspect, still wearing the same hoodie and pants from earlier, writing the word and then urinating on the street in view of the victims on their porch. The victims felt threatened and offended, requesting charges be pressed.
The suspect was arrested, read his Miranda rights, and charged with public indecency and disorderly conduct. He was transported to Ross County Jail and issued summonses for criminal mischief and littering, with a court date set for May 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Chillicothe Municipal Court. The suspect denied the allegations, claiming another individual, Jamal Ward, was responsible. The investigation remains ongoing, with video footage to be emailed to Officer Lott for further review.
