CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (March 23, 2026) — A late-night call about a possibly impaired driver at a local McDonald’s led to an arrest and child endangerment charges, according to the Chillicothe Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to the restaurant on East Main Street after employees reported a driver behaving erratically in the drive-thru. According to police, the driver, identified as Ashley Reice, was operating a silver Ford Focus and appeared confused while ordering, allegedly holding up the line for an extended period and struggling to complete a transaction.
Employees told officers the woman appeared disoriented, slurred her speech, and returned to the drive-thru shortly after leaving, again causing delays. Staff directed her to park and contacted police.
When officers arrived, they found the vehicle running in a parking space with Reice in the driver’s seat and a front-seat passenger, later identified as Sean Kittlesen, slumped over and initially difficult to wake. Two young children were also in the back seat.
Police reported that Reice displayed signs of impairment, including slow, slurred speech and difficulty following instructions. During questioning, officers noted inconsistencies in statements between Reice and her passenger regarding recent travel.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, during which officers say Reice showed multiple indicators of impairment. Police also reported observing signs consistent with the influence of a central nervous system depressant rather than alcohol.
According to the report, Reice later admitted to taking prescription medications, including Xanax, gabapentin, and Percocet, hours prior to the encounter.
Based on the investigation, officers arrested Reice on charges of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and endangering children. Authorities said the presence of children in the vehicle played a significant role in the charges.
The vehicle was impounded, and arrangements were made for the children and passenger to be released to another responsible adult. A report was also forwarded to children’s services.
Reice was transported to the Ross County Jail, where she submitted to a urine test. She was later issued a court summons and is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court.
