CHILLICOTHE, OH — A potentially dangerous situation turned into a positive community moment this week when Ross County deputies ensured the safety of two young boys biking along Charleston Pike near the Scioto River bridge.
Deputy Angela Hollis responded to a call about children riding their bicycles on the roadway near the Corner Market. Upon arrival, she located the two boys on the bridge, where traffic was notably heavy. Concerned for their safety—especially with vehicles moving at high speeds—Deputy Hollis stopped to speak with them.
The boys, both 12 years old, said they had planned to ride from their home on Concord Church Road to McDonald’s on Main Street. However, they were traveling against traffic, which posed a significant risk given the narrow bridge and lack of a dedicated bike lane.
Unable to fit the bikes into her cruiser, Deputy Hollis contacted Chief Hollis, who arrived with a truck to help. Together, they loaded the bicycles and safely transported the boys back to their residence. Deputy Hollis also contacted the boys’ mother, who agreed the trip to McDonald’s was too far for them to make on their own, especially via such a busy route.
Before leaving, Deputy Hollis ensured the boys let their siblings know they had returned home safely. The entire interaction was recorded on Deputy Hollis’s body camera.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office praised the deputies’ swift and compassionate handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of community policing and child safety.
