CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A local man wanted on an active warrant was taken into custody Monday night following a brief foot pursuit through thick brush in Chillicothe.
According to police reports, a Chillicothe police officer on patrol in the area of Washington Avenue spotted 20-year-old David Butcher Jr. walking westbound near 883 Washington Ave., pushing an orange bicycle equipped with an attached cart.
Recognizing Butcher from prior interactions, the officer verified through dispatch that he had an active arrest warrant and requested backup, anticipating Butcher might attempt to flee.
When assisting officers arrived in the area, Butcher abandoned his bicycle and fled on foot toward Adams Avenue. Multiple police units quickly responded and established a perimeter around the neighborhood near Douglas Avenue and South Watt Street along the railroad tracks.
During a search of the thick brush and fence line near the tracks, officers located Butcher’s white baseball cap and a pack of cigarettes. A short time later, an officer searching the dense vegetation noticed a large leafy branch laid out suspiciously across the ground. Upon moving the branch, the officer discovered Butcher hiding underneath.
Butcher complied with orders and was taken into custody without further incident around 9:17 p.m.
He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was served with a Ross County Sheriff’s Office warrant for a probation violation stemming from an original OVI charge. In addition to the warrant, Butcher faces a new charge of Obstructing Official Business.
He is being held in lieu of bond pending his court appearance.
