CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A Circleville man was arrested after police say he refused multiple commands to submit to arrest, was struck by a Taser and then retreated into a tent in a backyard, where he refused to come back outside.
The incident occurred on September 18, 2026, when Circleville Police Officer Grant Hollaway responded to Renick Avenue at approximately 10:33 a.m. for a reported theft.
According to the police report, the complainant, identified as James Thomas, told officers he had been sleeping in the backyard of the residence and discovered that $250 in one-dollar bills was missing from a black handbag.
Thomas reportedly became agitated while speaking with officers and allegedly told police that if nothing could be done about the missing money, he would take a hose to the electronics inside the residence.
As officers investigated, the resident told police that Thomas was not permitted to be on the property.
Hollaway contacted dispatch and learned that Thomas had previously been trespassed from the Renick Avenue property by another Circleville officer in 2024.
Because of the prior trespass order, Hollaway told Thomas he was going to be arrested for criminal trespassing.
Police Say Thomas Refused Commands
According to the report, Thomas went into a tent in the backyard during the investigation. Hollaway requested that he come out and speak with officers, and Thomas initially complied.
The officer then attempted to move the encounter toward the front of the residence, where there was more room to safely make the arrest.
Police said Thomas became increasingly agitated and refused repeated commands to put down his cellphone and cigarette.
Thomas allegedly told officers he was not going back to jail and disputed that he had been trespassed from the property.
Hollaway reported that Thomas then began walking away from him.
The officer drew his Taser and repeatedly ordered Thomas to stop, warning him that he would be Tased if he continued.
According to the report, Thomas continued moving toward the backyard gate despite multiple commands.
Taser Deployed
Police said Hollaway ultimately deployed the Taser after Thomas continued to refuse commands.
Two Taser probes were deployed, with one making contact with Thomas in the lower right stomach area. The second probe did not make contact.
The Taser deployment did not stop Thomas, according to the report, and he entered the tent in the backyard.
Hollaway then advised dispatch that Thomas had barricaded himself inside the tent.
The officer’s report clarifies that Thomas did not place objects in front of the tent to physically barricade the entrance. Instead, police said he entered the tent and refused to come back outside while officers attempted to take him into custody.
Because the tent was dark and officers could not clearly see Thomas or his hands, Hollaway said he maintained his position while waiting for another officer to arrive.
Second Officer Gets Thomas to Come Out
Thomas reportedly continued refusing commands to exit the tent and requested another officer he knew.
Officer Bolt arrived and began speaking with Thomas.
According to the report, Thomas responded to Bolt’s commands and eventually walked out of the tent toward the officer.
Once Bolt gained control of Thomas’ hands and placed him in handcuffs, Hollaway holstered his Taser.
Circleville Fire Department medics were requested to evaluate Thomas following the Taser deployment and probe contact. Thomas was evaluated but refused further medical treatment, according to police.
Charges
Thomas was arrested and charged with:
- Criminal Trespassing, under ORC 2911.21(A)(1)
- Obstructing Official Business, under ORC 2921.31
Police said the obstructing charge stemmed from Thomas’ repeated refusal to comply with lawful commands while officers attempted to detain him for criminal trespassing.
The officer’s department-issued body camera was activated during the incident, according to the report.
A use-of-force report was also completed following the Taser deployment.
The original call was related to a reported theft of $250, but the report indicates Thomas was arrested on the trespassing and obstructing charges.
