ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A Veterans Affairs Police Officer was assaulted Saturday in Chillicothe.
Ross County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the V.A. Hospital after a distress call from police at the facility.
According to reports, V.A. Police located a suspicious person lying in the grass on federal grounds. Officials said a V.A. Police Officer began an investigation as to why the person was on the property. That is when, authorities say, the suspect began fighting with the officer.
V.A. dispatch said the officer sent out a distress call during the altercation.
Deputies from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the south entrance of the V.A. Hospital to assist.
Deputies responded and located the federal officer who stated, a suspect, later identified as Justin Handshey, grabbed him by the wrist and began attacking him. The officer was eventually able to take Handshey to the ground, reports say, and take him into custody.
Handshey faces felony charges related to the attack. Investigators with the V.A. Police say the incident remains under investigation.
