CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A routine patrol turned into a tense confrontation early Monday when police arrested a man wielding a knife and carrying suspected drugs on a Chillicothe street, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Joseph Todd Southwick, now faces multiple charges after refusing to cooperate with officers and exhibiting bizarre behavior, including rants about President Donald Trump.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Monday, when officers were dispatched to 33 St. Andrews Blvd. following reports of a man walking in the middle of Western Avenue with a knife. Officer Katrina Hallam was the first to arrive, spotting Southwick stumbling along the road, unsteady on his feet and clutching a soda can he soon dropped. Hallam noted a large steak knife protruding from his shorts pocket, which she confiscated for safety.
“He was erratic, slurring his words, with white foam around his mouth,” said Officer Ryan McCoy, who joined Hallam at the scene. “He kept mumbling to himself about Donald Trump and couldn’t stand still.” Southwick repeatedly demanded to know why he was being stopped, ignoring officers’ explanations and refusing to provide his name.
When Southwick defied multiple requests to identify himself, officers informed him that his refusal constituted obstructing official business, a charge compounded by his apparent intoxication and disorderly conduct. Still, he resisted. “At that point, we had no choice but to arrest him,” McCoy said.
A search revealed a stash of troubling items: a clear baggie of white rectangular pills that fell from Southwick’s pocket, two straws with white residue, a capsule of brown powder, and additional pills marked “OE” and “600.” Southwick admitted the rectangular pills were Xanax, claiming he got them from a friend “because he has a problem.” Another baggie with white residue was also found. All items were photographed and logged into the Chillicothe Police Department’s evidence room, with the substances sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for analysis. Additional charges are pending the results.
Southwick was transported to Ross County Jail, where he was booked on charges of obstructing official business and drug paraphernalia possession. He was also issued a summons for disorderly conduct by intoxication and ordered to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court. Jail staff took custody of him without incident.