The Ross County Sheriff’s Office responded to 20 incidents on April 26, 2026, ranging from traffic enforcement and welfare checks to serious criminal matters. The day’s most significant event was a fatal shooting on Mount Zion Road that resulted in a reckless homicide charge. Additional incidents included a warrant arrest involving narcotics and firearms recovery, domestic violence, disorderly conduct calls, and multiple traffic citations.
Vehicle Fails to Slow for Traffic Stop on US 23
Case #SO-P2601759
At approximately 12:05 a.m., Sgt. Dutcher was conducting a traffic stop on US 23 in Chillicothe when a vehicle in the adjacent lane continued at speed and failed to move over or slow down. The driver claimed unfamiliarity with the law, and a citation was issued.
Traffic Stop Yields Warrant Arrest, Narcotics, and Firearm
Case #SO-P2601761
At approximately 2:45 a.m., Deputy Jo Hansen conducted a traffic stop on US 23 near SR 159 in Chillicothe. The stop resulted in charges including speeding, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, having weapons while under disability, possession of controlled substances, and served an outstanding warrant. A firearm and narcotics were recovered from the vehicle.
Welfare Check for Suicidal Statements
Case #SO-P2601762
At approximately 4:55 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to Anderson Station Road in Chillicothe for a welfare check. The caller reported that a family member was making suicidal comments, and an investigation was initiated.
Welfare Check on Juvenile
Case #SO-P2601763
At approximately 7:54 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to Wisecup Hill Road in South Salem for a welfare check on a juvenile.
Non-Criminal Report at Law Enforcement Complex
Case #SO-P2601765
At approximately 11:27 a.m., Deputy Nott took a non-criminal report at the Law Enforcement complex to document an incident.
Disorderly Conduct Suspect Trespassed from Property
Case #SO-P2601764
At approximately 11:48 a.m., Sgt. Champion, Deputy Gallagher, and Deputy Nott responded to Clinton Road in Chillicothe for a disorderly conduct complaint. The caller reported that a suspect was causing a disturbance and making people feel unsafe. The suspect was trespassed from the property.
Vandalism Complaint at Egypt Pike
Case #SO-P2601766
At approximately 1:31 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Egypt Pike in Chillicothe regarding a vandalism complaint. The caller reported that a fence had been damaged, and an investigation was initiated.
Nuisance Complaint in Bainbridge
Case #SO-P2601767
At approximately 2:14 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Penwell Hollow Road in Bainbridge in reference to a nuisance complaint involving disorderly conduct and offensive gestures or noise.
Fatal Shooting on Mount Zion Road
Case #SO-P2601768
At approximately 3:25 p.m., Sgt. Champion, Deputy Nott, Deputy Tatman, and Deputy Gallagher responded to Mount Zion Road in Chillicothe for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies took a suspect into custody without incident and located a deceased female inside the residence. The case has been referred to the RCSO Detective Bureau and the Ross County Coroner’s Office for investigation.
Emergency Hospitalization for Mental Illness
Case #SO-P2601769
At approximately 3:39 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Trego Creek Road in Chillicothe for a report of disorderly conduct. An investigation was initiated and an emergency mental illness hold was placed.
Domestic Violence Assault in Frankfort
Case #SO-P2601771
At approximately 3:43 p.m., Sgt. Dutcher was dispatched to the 800 block of Little Creek Road in Frankfort for a domestic dispute. A mother reported being assaulted by an adult son and displayed injuries consistent with assault. An investigation was conducted and an arrest was made.
Firearm Theft Reported
Case #SO-P2601770
At approximately 4:50 p.m., Deputy Sutton was dispatched to Massieville Road in Chillicothe for a report of a firearm theft. The deputy made contact with the complainant and initiated an investigation.
Disorderly Conduct in Bainbridge
Case #SO-P2601772
At approximately 6:09 p.m., Deputy Sutton was dispatched to Harris Station Road in Bainbridge for a disorderly conduct complaint. The deputy contacted the complainant and began an investigation.
Disorderly Conduct Complaint at Law Enforcement Complex
Case #SO-P2601774
At approximately 7:38 p.m., Deputy Sutton was dispatched to the Law Enforcement complex in reference to a disorderly conduct complaint. The deputy made contact with the complainant and initiated an investigation.
Traffic Citation for Reduced Roads Violation
Case #SO-P2601773
At approximately 7:33 p.m., Deputy Jo Hansen conducted a traffic stop on Massieville Road in Chillicothe, resulting in a citation for a reduced roads violation.
Animal Complaint on Anderson Station Road
Case #SO-P2601775
At approximately 7:51 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Anderson Station Road in Chillicothe for an animal complaint and initiated an investigation.
Traffic Stop Yields Multiple Citations in Richmond Dale
Case #SO-P2601777
At approximately 9:24 p.m., Deputy Jo Hansen conducted a traffic stop on Sixth Street in Richmond Dale. The driver was cited for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, operating with an invalid plate, and having no tail lights or license plate light.
Driving Without Valid License on East Main Street
Case #SO-P2601778
At approximately 11:04 p.m., Deputy Woodbridge initiated a traffic stop on East Main Street in Chillicothe. A citation for driving without a valid operator’s license was issued.
Mental Illness Report on State Route 159
Case #SO-P2601779
At approximately 11:26 p.m., a report was filed regarding an individual alleged to be mentally ill on State Route 159 in Chillicothe. The incident was reported by a mandated reporter with no further investigation required.