ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A surge in auto thefts has been reported in Ross County, with 25 vehicles stolen in the last 30 days alone. The thefts, which have occurred at various locations throughout the county, have raised concerns among local residents and law enforcement.
On May 22, two vehicles were reported stolen — one from the 100 block of Renick Avenue and another from Pam Lane. A day earlier, a vehicle was stolen in broad daylight from Firehouse 1 of the Chillicothe Fire Department. The suspect allegedly entered the firehouse, stole the keys, and then drove off with a truck parked in the lot. On May 20, a vehicle was stolen from a home on Route 50 in Londonderry.
The thefts have not been limited to Ross County. Just this week, a woman at the Circleville Walmart in neighboring Pickaway County reported her vehicle stolen while she was loading groceries. The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Mohamed Ly, was apprehended along Route 23 on his way to Columbus. He was arrested by South Bloomfield Police and taken into custody.
At this time, it is unclear whether these incidents are connected. Investigations into these thefts are ongoing.