CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Chillicothe man is in jail today after attacking a police officer who woke him up.
It happened yesterday at the AT&T store at 950 N. Bridge Street shortly before 9 a.m.
According to reports, employees of the business had arrived at the store and were attempting to open the door when they found a man, later identified as 27-year-old Johnnie Lee Diehl, sleeping near the entrance.
Officers with the Chillicothe Police Department arrived on the scene and attempted to wake Diehl and ask him to leave the property. That is when, the report said, Diehl became belligerent.
After hurling several expletives at the officers, Diehl reportedly threw a punch. A scuffle then ensued. One officer said, “I moved away and grabbed Johnnie against the wall, where he began grabbing his arms around me. I tripped both of Johnnie’s legs with my left leg and causing him to lose balance. I was able to take him to the ground and gain control of Johnnie.”
Diehl, following the incident, complained of injuries. Medics with the city’s fire department responded and evaluated him.
He was transported to the Ross County Jail, charged with resisting arrest and felony obstruction.