CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — On June 20, law enforcement officers responded to a homeless camp near Charleston Pike and Narrows Road in Ross County, following a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute.
Deputies arrived at the scene and discovered that a male individual had fled on foot prior to their arrival.
Witnesses at the camp alleged that the man had been acting aggressively, throwing items and causing damage.
According to the police report, the man allegedly threw a can of spray paint into a fire, causing it to explode. One camper claimed to fear for his safety as the man allegedly approached him with a baseball bat.
The campsite, littered with trash and debris, was described by deputies as deplorable and hazardous, akin to conditions seen in refugee camps during his military service.
The man, identified as Everett Edmonds IV, was later apprehended after returning to the camp and attempting to flee again. He was arrested for menacing and taken to jail. A dog found with the man was handed over to the Dog Warden. Camp residents were instructed to clean up the site by June 24, 2024, or face potential criminal charges. Authorities plan to monitor the cleanup efforts and involve the EPA and Ross County Litter Control if necessary.