CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — On November 18, 2024, a man was arrested following a high-speed pursuit and alleged threats involving a firearm. The Chillicothe Police Department has just now released details of the incident, sparking frustration among several community members who have criticized the department for the month-long delay in sharing information pertinent to public safety.
According to police reports, the incident began late that evening near Spirit Halloween on North Bridge Street. A responding officer encountered two individuals involved in a dispute. One of them claimed he was being harassed by the other, later identified as Justin Lee. The victim reported that Justin threatened to shoot him after a verbal confrontation earlier in a nearby parking lot.
While speaking with the victim, the officer reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot. Moments later, Justin’s vehicle, a red 2023 Kia Soul, allegedly accelerated toward both the victim’s car and the officer’s cruiser before fleeing the scene at high speed. A pursuit followed, during which Justin was observed driving erratically—reaching speeds of over 100 mph without headlights, weaving through traffic, and exiting onto Route 23 South.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and other officers joined the search after the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle near the E. Main Street exit. The Kia was eventually spotted again on E. Main Street, where officers conducted a felony traffic stop near Duchess Gas Station. Justin Lee was taken into custody without resistance.
During a search, officers discovered a loaded .357 revolver in Justin’s jacket pocket, which contained five live rounds and one spent casing. A strong odor of alcohol was reported, along with an open container found in the vehicle’s cup holder. Despite being offered field sobriety tests and a urine sample, Justin refused both.
The firearm was later test-fired and confirmed functional by law enforcement. During booking at the Ross County Jail, Justin reportedly admitted twice that the firearm discharge had been an “accident,” statements witnessed by deputies.
Justin Lee now faces multiple charges, including:
- Felonious Assault
- Failure to Comply
- Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVI)
- Using Weapons While Intoxicated
He remains in custody at the Ross County Jail.