CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — An arrest warrant is out for a man involved in a series of alarming incidents that unfolded on Tuesday, culminating in a tense standoff on a hillside after a local Judge was threatened.
The sequence of events began when Ronald Fisher failed to appear in a local court for a hearing. Fisher’s attorney, Andrew Anastasi, had requested a continuance on Fisher’s behalf, which was denied by the court. Consequently, a warrant for Fisher’s arrest was set to be issued since he did not show up. However, the situation escalated further when Fisher allegedly engaged in a profanity-laden tirade against the court and the Judge, accusing the Judge of dishonesty. According to reports, Fisher vowed to “give that [Judge] a reason to lock him up.”
Further complicating matters, Fisher’s attorney, Andrew Anastasi, revealed that Fisher had made threats against court staff, the public defender’s office, and the Judge, and was considering withdrawing from Fisher’s case. Fisher has a history of violence against officials. In 2020, Fisher was one of two men who attacked three Chillicothe Police Officers in an altercation on Cheyenne Drive.
The situation took a more distressing turn when law enforcement received a call indicating that Fisher was attempting to video chat with his former girlfriend, who was in the Ross County Jail. During the video call, Fisher was reportedly seen holding a rifle to his throat, prompting concerns for his safety and the safety of others. Upon learning of Fisher’s armed and potentially suicidal state, authorities expressed deep concern and decided to pursue charges against Fisher.
As the situation unfolded, law enforcement officials reached out to Fisher’s father in an attempt to ascertain his whereabouts and well-being. Around the same time, authorities received a call from Fisher himself, who expressed agitation and frustration, claiming that he had arrived at court for his scheduled appearance but had been turned away.
As the situation continued to evolve, law enforcement officers opted not to attempt an apprehension due to Fisher’s potentially dangerous state and the fact that he was reportedly armed on a hillside.
Authorities have subsequently requested a warrant for Fisher’s arrest, charging him with intimidating a public official, in light of the threatening statements and behavior exhibited during the events of the day. Fisher remains at-large as the investigation unfolds. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.
