CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A man is facing felony charges after a violent domestic altercation took place at a residence in Kenowa Village on Pleasant Valley Road on April 29th, 2024. Dustin Cradlebaugh has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and felonious assault following the incident.
Deputies from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after receiving reports of a domestic dispute where the victim was initially unconscious. Upon arrival, officers located the victim.
According to witness statements and an interview with the suspect, the altercation began as a verbal argument regarding soda cans left on the porch. Cradlebaugh allegedly became angry. It was during the heated confrontation that he allegedly picked up a cast iron frying pan, and struck the victim multiple times on the head. The suspect said the victim, his father, allegedly pushed his mother which reportedly escalated the situation.
The victim, reports say, lost consciousness during the attack. Cradlebaugh fled the scene but later returned and was subsequently arrested. The victim was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Cradlebaugh admitted to striking the victim but claimed his actions were in self-defense. He also indicated to officers that he suffers from Bipolar Schizophrenia and had recently discontinued his medication, a detail corroborated by his mother.
Dustin Cradlebaugh has a prior domestic violence conviction from 2019. He is currently being held at the Ross County Jail.
EDITOR’S NOTE: All information came directly from the report provided by the sheriff’s office. Any discrepancies should be directed to the reporting agency.
