CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In an unfortunate lapse of timing, a local man heading to court to face theft charges ended his afternoon in police custody after allegedly committing another theft just blocks away from the courthouse [cite: Supplement Narrative By Derek Wallace, 08/19/26 13:26, SCHIPPELL advised he was on his way to the Chillicothe Municipal Court, 08/19/26 at 1300 hours, for another Theft case and stopped before proceeding to that location. SCHIPPELL was placed under arrest at that time.].
Steven Schippell was arrested Wednesday, August 19, at the Valero station located at 228 N. Bridge Street after store employees caught him consuming unpaid merchandise in the restroom.
Caught on Camera and Held at the Door
According to police reports, Schippell entered the store around 1:26 p.m. and asked staff if he could use the bathroom.
As he walked toward the back, surveillance footage captured him grabbing a $1.92 bottle of raspberry Bootlegger from a cooler and slipping into the restroom with it. Inside, Schippell drank the beverage and tossed the empty container into the trash can.
Suspecting theft, store employee Kasi Antal checked the restroom immediately after Schippell exited. Upon finding the discarded bottle, staff intercepted Schippell at the front doors and held him until law enforcement arrived.
A Detour to Jail Instead of Court
When interviewed by responding Officer Derek Wallace, Schippell readily admitted to taking and drinking the beverage, explaining he had no money to pay for it.
Schippell then informed officers that he was actually walking to a 1:00 p.m. appearance at Chillicothe Municipal Court for a prior theft case when he decided to stop at the station.
Instead of making his scheduled court date, Schippell was placed under arrest, charged with theft, and booked into the Ross County Jail. He has also been officially barred from returning to the North Bridge Street Valero property.
