CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A video showing two Chillicothe police cruisers doing donuts in the snow has sparked widespread discussion across the region, with some residents questioning whether the officers should face citations.
The video, which was viewed nearly 40,000 times before being deleted by the poster, captured what appeared to be officers driving recklessly during snowy conditions over the weekend. Social media users weighed in, with many suggesting that ordinary residents would have faced citations—or even arrest—for similar behavior.
Ohio law, under Section 4511.201 of the Revised Code, states that “No person shall operate a vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any public or private property other than streets or highways, in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.”
Scioto Valley Guardian reached out to Chillicothe Police Chief Ron Meyers with questions about whether the officers will face traffic infractions related to the video. As of this report, neither Chief Meyers nor the department’s public relations officer has provided comment.
Many social media users expressed frustration over what they see as a double standard. “Why is it okay for them, but not for us?” one commenter wrote, echoing sentiments shared by others before the video was removed.
The Guardian has learned the identities of the officers involved, but this publication is awaiting citations for the officers and public records before releasing their names, as confirmation.
A source close to the police department told the Guardian, “Last time I saw, all the Durangos were supervisor cars and those were both Durangos in the video. Force them to open a IA [internal affairs investigation] and let them try to lie their way out of it,” the source said. “Since you know who they are, if you bust them out, if they open an IA and try to cover it up and lie, you can then bust them open for lying about it. Nobody’s going to fess up until they are caught. That becomes Brady material and they’re bricked for life.”
This is not the first time a Chillicothe Police officer has faced traffic controversy while on duty. Donald Arbogast, an officer with the city was cited only after the Guardian exposed video of him jumping railroad tracks, and crashing into a parked car while on duty.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for more updates.