CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A home invasion on Moss Hollow Road led to multiple arrests Thursday after four individuals forced their way into a residence in an apparent attempt to attack a woman, according to police reports.
Deputies responded to the scene just before 8 p.m. after a frantic call from the victims. According to statements given to law enforcement, three women and one man arrived at the home, knocked on the door under the pretense of speaking with a resident’s granddaughter, then forced their way inside. The suspects allegedly attempted to break into a bedroom where the victim was hiding.
One individual reportedly broke a window at the rear of the home in an effort to gain entry. The homeowner and another resident told deputies they did not give permission for the group to enter and requested charges be filed against them.
Deputies later identified one of the suspects as the victim’s ex-boyfriend, who allegedly orchestrated the break-in due to a personal dispute. Social media activity and surveillance footage helped law enforcement identify additional individuals involved.
Video evidence captured during the incident reportedly contradicted claims that the suspects had been invited inside. In the footage, one suspect can be heard saying, “Nobody invited you in,” while another yells for all four perpetrators to leave.
While investigating the case, deputies received a call from an apartment complex reporting that one of the suspects had shown up and was trespassing. Officers arrived on scene and took the individual into custody, later obtaining confessions linking them to the break-in.
One suspect was arrested and charged with complicity to aggravated burglary, burglary, and criminal trespass. Additional warrants have been requested for the remaining individuals on charges of burglary, aggravated burglary, and intimidation of a victim.
Law enforcement also reported that after the arrests, one suspect threatened a witness, allegedly stating he would “smash him in the mouth” for cooperating with police.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has redacted the names of the suspects from the report as the investigation remains ongoing. Additional arrests may be forthcoming.