Man wanted for rape in Chillicothe busted after trying to get into homes in Pike Co.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Christopher Wittkugel, a man previously reported for suspicious activities in Pike County, is now under investigation in Ross County for a series of severe offenses, including rape, strangulation, domestic violence, and auto theft.

The Chillicothe Police Department disclosed that officers responded to an assault report on June 23, 2024, on North High Street. The victim reported being assaulted and raped by Wittkugel, who also allegedly stole her car following the incident. The victim was subsequently transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Wittkugel, who had recently been released from prison, was apprehended on Monday by deputies from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. His arrest follows numerous reports from residents about a man with facial tattoos attempting to enter homes, claiming his car had been stolen. One resident recounted an encounter at 6:15 a.m. when Wittkugel allegedly tried to look inside their home.

Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans confirmed receiving multiple calls about an individual matching Wittkugel’s description earlier that morning.

Wittkugel remains in custody at the Ross County Jail in Chillicothe.