CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — An attempted vehicle theft and possible armed robbery was reported Tuesday evening at an apartment complex along Western Avenue in Chillicothe.
According to the police report, the victim had previously reported his truck keys being stolen, and he suspected that the suspects would return to steal his vehicle in the early morning hours. The man, reports say, disconnected the battery to prevent any future theft attempt.
Later that night, the victim observed two suspects on his camera surveillance system getting into his vehicle. He went outside to confront the suspects and grabbed one of them in a bear hug. However, the other suspect exited the vehicle and threatened to shoot the man, which caused him to release the first suspect. Both suspects fled on foot.
The victim described the suspects to the police. Both were believed to be between the ages of 13-16. Suspect #1 was described as a white male, approximately 5’4″, with a thin build, black mask, and black hoodie. Suspect #2 was also described as a white male, approximately 5’4″, with a thin build, dark gray hoodie, and a scruffy beard.
A flashlight, gray in color, was found on the ground outside the driver’s door that did not belong to the vehicle’s owner. The flashlight was collected as evidence. Deputies obtained fingerprints from the driver’s and passenger’s doors of the truck, which were lifted and photographed.
Police tried to obtain a copy of the surveillance video of the incident but were unable at the time. The Detective assigned to the case said they would be working to obtain the video and to collect his fingerprints and DNA sample for comparison to the evidence.
During the incident, the victim reportedly experienced chest pain and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene. The suspects fled on foot, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.
