CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A routine call to a McDonald’s restaurant at 40 N Bridge Street turned into a dramatic arrest on April 16, as reported by the Chillicothe Police Department.
The incident began when two men were approached by Noah Richards at a red light near N. Bridge Street and E. 2nd Street. Richards, who was reportedly acting under the influence of drugs, allegedly brandished a firearm at two men.
The situation escalated when one of the men, who had entered the McDonald’s to submit a job application, was followed by Richards, who again allegedly displayed his weapon. The two men told officers they left the scene and alerted the authorities.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that Richards had two outstanding warrants: a felony secret indictment through the Ross County Sheriff’s Office for receiving stolen property (RSP) and three counts of theft, and a probation violation from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office for obstructing official business.
Officers, according to the report provided, confronted Richards inside the restaurant. Despite initial resistance and an attempted escape, Richards was apprehended after a struggle. During the arrest, a firearm was dislodged and landed near the registers. The weapon, a loaded black Keltec .380 pistol, was later secured as evidence.
Following the arrest, Richards requested medical assistance, claiming he had ingested Fentanyl. He was subsequently transported by medics to Adena Regional Medical Center and later to the Ross County Jail.
Further investigation revealed that Richards had previously been barred from the McDonald’s location. Security footage confirmed that Richards had possession of the firearm during the altercation.