CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A man was arrested and faces multiple charges, including felonious assault, domestic violence, and strangulation, after an alleged attack on a woman inside her East Water Street residence, according to the Chillicothe Police Department.
Officers responded to the 800 block of East Water Street and found the victim, whose injuries were described in police reports as severe, including lacerations, bruising, and swelling on her face, neck, and head. She reportedly had discoloration around her neck and described losing consciousness during the attack. The victim alleged the suspect, identified as Samuel Fields, used his hands to choke her until she could not breathe and struck her multiple times in the face and head. The report further states that Fields told the victim, “You picked a good day to die.”
The victim told police she initially met Fields through a dating app and allowed him to stay in her home temporarily. Tensions reportedly escalated earlier that day during a disagreement at a local Dollar General, which allegedly led Fields to return to the residence and force his way inside.
According to the report, the victim attempted to defuse the situation by pretending to call for help, which allegedly prompted Fields to attack her violently. After the assault, Fields reportedly apologized and left the scene. The victim called 911 after he departed and was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, which medical staff indicated might include a broken nose and fractured orbital bone.
Later that day, police were called back to the residence after Fields allegedly returned to the property. Officers detained him and reportedly found blood on his hands and clothing consistent with the attack. Fields, who officers said, has a history of violent felony convictions, was arrested and transported to the Ross County Jail. Police noted that Fields had active warrants for domestic violence and probation violations out of Montgomery County.
Fields is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on Dec. 11, 2024, at 9 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.