CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A local man is behind bars following an investigation into reports that he attempted to lure children away from their homes using an electric bike as a “hook.”
On the evening of March 10, 2026, Ross County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Matthew Allen Lambert, 52 on two counts of Criminal Child Enticement after multiple witnesses and parents reported alarming interactions in the Scioto Woods and Applegate Apartments area.
The Initial Complaint
The investigation began around 11:23 p.m. when deputies responded to a suspicious person complaint. A local resident reported following a male subject to the Applegate Apartments after learning of a disturbing encounter involving a neighborhood child.
Deputy Jackson was the first to arrive at the apartment complex, where she identified the subject as Lambert. At the time, Lambert claimed he had not spoken to any children, alleging they were simply “following him” because they were interested in his new e-bike.
Conflicting Stories
However, as Deputy JoHansen and Deputy Weaver interviewed parents at Scioto Woods, a much different story emerged:
- The “Race” Proposition: One mother, told deputies that Lambert approached her young daughter and asked her to “race” him. The child was reportedly seen traveling toward the entrance of Scioto Woods—nearly 200 yards from her home—following Lambert.
- A Second Victim: A second witness, reported that her son had also been approached. The boy told deputies that Lambert asked him to race toward the entrance of the woods, but he declined because Lambert was a “stranger” and he felt uncomfortable.
- Intervention: A maintenance worker reportedly intervened during the encounter, telling Lambert to vacate the property before law enforcement was called.
The Arrest
Witness statements from a 13-year-old bystander corroborated the children’s accounts, noting that Lambert specifically targeted the younger children by enticing them to follow him toward a secluded area near the apartment entrance.
Based on the evidence that Lambert attempted to lead the children away without parental permission, Deputy JoHansen ordered his immediate arrest.
Lambert was taken into custody by Deputy Jackson and transported to the Ross County Jail. He currently faces two preliminary charges of Criminal Child Enticement. Investigators are still seeking a formal statement from a maintenance worker, Kenny Horn, who is believed to have witnessed the events unfold.
Lambert is currently on bond as a condition of release, he is under a “No Contact” order with the victims and their families. He is also strictly prohibited from entering the Scioto Woods subdivision or the common areas of the Applegate Apartments.
