ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Deputies nabbed a man who is accused of breaking and entering into a dead man’s house and stealing his items, while two others remain on the lamb.
Law enforcement officers responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle at a residence on Valley Road where the homeowner had recently passed away. The incident unfolded when deputies arrived on the scene.
Upon their arrival, deputies encountered a small, greenish-colored SUV parked in the driveway. As one of the deputies approached, a young white male wearing a red hoodie emerged from behind a nearby trailer. The male fled on foot as the officer shouted for him to stop.
The deputy informed dispatch about the fleeing suspect and proceeded to check the open buildings behind the trailer. However, the initial pursuit was unsuccessful, and the suspect managed to elude capture.
Returning to the driveway, the deputy observed that the door to the residence closest to the road was ajar. A middle-aged white male emerged from the property, holding a flashlight and blankets. With only one suspect in custody and another unidentified individual on the scene, the deputy drew their firearm and ordered the second male to lie on the ground.
The second suspect, later identified as Jeramy Steele, was secured in wrist restraints and found to have active warrants for his arrest. A search of Steele’s person revealed drug paraphernalia and various tools.
In a statement, Steele claimed to have permission to be on the property and mentioned the homeowner’s name but couldn’t recall the first name. The deputy found no evidence to support his claim. Steele added that his entire family was deceased and he had been left to look after the property.
Shortly thereafter, a third white male, wearing a tan/brown shirt and holding a drill, exited the residence. The deputy once again unholstered their firearm and ordered the third male to the ground. However, the third suspect refused to comply and fled the scene.
Additional deputies arrived to assist in the search for the third suspect, but he remained at large.
Steele was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with the deputy. He continued to assert that he had permission to be on the property, citing a conversation with the homeowner approximately two weeks prior to their passing, deputies wrote in their report.
When asked about the other suspects, Steele initially claimed not to know them and refused to provide their names, citing concerns about “snitching.”
The deputies continued to process the scene and the suspicious vehicle, which was recognized as belonging to Steele. Inside the vehicle, they found tools, a snare drum, cymbal, and a small bag of marijuana.
The vehicle’s registration provided limited information, and contact with the last registered owner was unsuccessful. Steele became defensive when questioned about the absence of “no trespassing” signs on the property.
Steele was transported to the Ross County Jail,