CHILLICOTHE, OH — A disturbance at a Chillicothe grocery store Thursday evening led to a prolonged struggle with police and ultimately sent a man to the hospital, according to police reports.
Officers were dispatched to the Sac N Save store around 5:37 p.m. on Jan. 8 after reports of a man causing a disturbance and yelling that people were trying to shoot him. When officers arrived, witnesses pointed toward the store’s entrance, stating the man was “flipping out” and screaming about being targeted.
Police identified the man as Christopher Wittkugle. Officers said Wittkugle was actively yelling and behaving erratically near the store’s front doors. Store manager told police Wittkugle had entered the store alone, shouting for someone to call 911 and claiming people were after him. Detty said Wittkugle’s behavior was alarming customers, and when he was asked to leave, he refused. Detty said he attempted to guide Wittkugle toward the exit and held him there until police arrived.
Officers noted Wittkugle refused to calm down and displayed uncontrolled and erratic movements. Based on prior contacts and observed behavior, officers suspected he was under the influence of drugs. When police attempted to place him in handcuffs, Wittkugle resisted commands and held onto a railing. With assistance from store staff and additional officers, he was eventually secured in handcuffs.
Police said Wittkugle continued to resist as officers attempted to place him into a patrol vehicle. Reports state he pulled away, spit toward an officer, refused to enter the cruiser, and repeatedly slid himself to the ground. Officers said he kicked, grabbed the cage inside the cruiser, and used his legs to prevent doors from being closed.
At one point, Wittkugle forced himself out of the cruiser, knocking an assisting sergeant to the ground, police said. Officers reported that he continued yelling, kicking, and refusing to support his weight. During the struggle, officers restrained his legs, and Wittkugle appeared to become unresponsive and act as if he was having a seizure. A sternum rub caused him to respond, police said, but he continued resisting.
Additional officers arrived to assist, and Wittkugle was eventually secured in the back of the cruiser using a hobble restraint on his legs. He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he again became unresponsive.
Medics were called, and Wittkugle was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center. Due to his condition and lack of responsiveness, hospital staff intubated him as a precaution to protect his airway. With no available ICU beds at Adena, he was later transferred to Grant Medical Center for further evaluation. Police reported no obvious head or chest injuries were observed.
Wittkugle was charged with Disorderly Conduct (Intoxication) and Resisting Arrest. Both charges carry a court date of Jan. 23, 2026. The case remains under investigation.
Wittkugle has a dark wrap sheet history, including rape, felonious assault, breaking and entering, escape, and failure to comply with officers before. In Pike County, he has similar charges.
