CHILLICOTHE, OH – A Chillicothe man was arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) early Saturday, June 14, 2025, following a near-collision with a police cruiser, according to a police report released on Monday. The incident unfolded on Western Avenue in Ross County, leading to charges against Kevin Groves.
While on patrol, an officer observed a silver 2011 Mazda 3 traveling at a high speed and switching lanes erratically. The vehicle turned left at the intersection with Plyleys Lane, cutting the corner and coming within one foot of striking the officer’s cruiser despite a green light. The officer activated emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.
Upon contact, Groves apologized for the close call, admitting he was “trying to beat the light” even though the light had just turned green shortly before his turn. He later confessed to consuming alcoholic beverages, though he initially denied drinking. His slurred speech and erratic behavior prompted a request for Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) by a deputy who arrived on scene. The deputy noted a strong odor of alcohol, glossy eyes, and dilated pupils, and Groves admitted to drinking two Budweiser beers two hours prior, later revising this to a 12-pack during his ride to jail.
SFSTs revealed six out of six clues on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, four out of eight on the Walk and Turn, and three out of four on the One Leg Stand. A subsequent breath test at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 71 showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.149, well above the legal limit. Groves was arrested, read his rights, and transported to Ross County Jail, where he received his citation, test results, and notice of an administrative license suspension (ALS).
The vehicle was towed by Eitels Towing, and the investigation concluded with no further details released.
