CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Authorities in Ross County detained a man on Wednesday after reports that he was shooting a gun from a bicycle in a residential area, deputies said. The incident occurred around 2:14 p.m. near Western Avenue and North Fork Drive, prompting a swift response from local sheriff’s deputies.
A sergeant patrolling the area spotted a man matching the description provided by dispatch: a male wearing all black clothing and riding a red bicycle. The suspect was detained without incident after complying with verbal commands, according to a police report. Deputies recovered a black Taurus TX .22 caliber handgun from the man’s front pocket, along with a magazine containing 14 rounds of ammunition and one loose round in the chamber.
Two witnesses, who reported the incident, told deputies they saw the man stop in the middle of Western Avenue, lay down his bicycle, and point a handgun eastward. They described the weapon as resembling a Glock and said it was held sideways, parallel to the ground. The witnesses, a man and a woman, stated they did not hear any shots fired and noted there were no people or vehicles in the direction the gun was pointed. Both provided written statements to police.
During an interview with a lieutenant, the detained man claimed he pointed the gun at a black and brown dog that he said frequently tries to attack him while he rides past the Cabbage Hill area. Dispatch confirmed that no other calls related to the incident were received, and a background check showed the man had no criminal convictions prohibiting him from carrying a concealed handgun. In Ohio, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
No charges have been filed pending a review by the local Law Director’s Office. The firearm and ammunition were collected as evidence, and the man was given a courtesy ride to his workplace, along with his bicycle, to ensure he was not late for work.
Deputies are continuing to investigate the incident and await guidance from the Law Director before proceeding.