CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Authorities are investigating an attempted firearm purchase at Rural King involving a convicted felon. The incident was reported by a store employee on September 4, 2024.
The investigation began when a Rural King employee recognized the suspect, Robert Althouse, from a recent news article about his arrest. Althouse, a convicted sex offender, attempted to purchase a firearm on September 3, 2024. The employee noted that Althouse initially filled out the ATF 4473 form, listing himself as a felon, which led to an immediate rejection of the sale. Althouse then claimed he had made a mistake and resubmitted the form, denying his felon status.
Further investigation revealed that Althouse was convicted of Pandering Obscenity, a felony offense, on May 10, 2017.
Authorities obtained Althouse’s information and the layaway receipt for the firearm, a Ruger LCP .380, which he had placed on hold. A female companion, believed to be with Althouse at the store, stated that he wanted to check his firearm eligibility.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities awaiting video footage from Rural King to further substantiate the case. Althouse’s actions have raised serious concerns about the enforcement of firearm purchase regulations and the effectiveness of background checks.