KINGSTON, Ohio — A local man was arrested early Wednesday morning after a violent domestic dispute where he allegedly choked his estranged wife, struck her and her mother with a handgun, and threatened to kill them both.
Jason Woodruff, of Chillicothe, was taken into custody after police found him asleep on the floor of his apartment with the front door ajar. He has been charged with multiple felonies, including kidnapping, felonious assault, domestic violence, and weapons charges.
The incident unfolded late Tuesday evening when Ross County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home in Kingston following reports of a disturbance. There, they found a woman bleeding from the head who alleged that her son-in-law, Woodruff, had assaulted her.
Authorities learned that Woodruff had been in a heated argument with his estranged wife which turned violent. He allegedly choked her, slammed her against a wall, and threatened her life while pointing a gun at her. At one point,according to witness statements, Woodruff held the gun to his head and said he would kill himself.
The victim’s mother reportedly attempted to intervene, and was struck in the head with the gun.
Woodruff’s wife told authorities she was forced at gunpoint to drive him to his father’s home in Chillicothe. She managed to escape and went into hiding, while Woodruff was taken to his apartment on Water Street.
Police received text messages from Woodruff while attempting to locate him, indicating that he was preparing to go to sleep. An opportunity arose when a neighbor saw Woodruff’s apartment door was open and that he appeared to be passed out inside.
Law enforcement officers reportedly approached and took Woodruff into custody without further incident. A protective sweep of the apartment revealed a loaded handgun lying in plain sight near where Woodruff had been sleeping.
Woodruff remains in custody at the Ross County Jail.
EDITOR’S NOTE: All information for this story came directly from the report provided by law enforcement. Any discrepancies should be directed to the reporting agency.