CHILLICOTHE — A Chillicothe man was taken into custody Sunday night after a dramatic foot chase that ended at the Quality Inn pool area, according to Chillicothe Police.
On August 31, officers were dispatched to Amherst Drive after a caller reported suspicious individuals near vehicles. The caller, Jacob Gilliland, told police he saw two men by his car before they rode away on bicycles. Shortly after, he spotted the suspects again near Burger King on North Bridge Street, this time joined by a female.
When officers arrived at the BP gas station nearby, they confronted two males with bicycles. One of the men, later identified as James Echard, fled on foot across multiple parking lots before jumping into the fenced pool area at the Quality Inn.
Officers pursued Echard, attempting to use a Taser that was ultimately ineffective. Echard was eventually cornered and apprehended inside the pool enclosure. During the pursuit, police say Echard discarded a backpack into the swimming pool. The bag was recovered and found to contain a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Echard was found to have active warrants through both the Adult Parole Authority and Chillicothe Police Department. He was booked into the Ross County Jail on charges including obstructing official business, with additional drug possession charges pending lab results.
Police noted Echard complained of wrist pain from the handcuffs, though no other injuries were reported. He is being held without bond and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on September 2.
The investigation remains ongoing.
