CHILLICOTHE, OH (May 4, 2024) – Chillicothe police responded to a stabbing incident at 370 McKellar Street on May 4th, 2024, prompting an ongoing investigation.
According to the initial narrative provided by Lance Canterbury, dispatched to the scene, officers spoke with Steven Atwood, the caller, who displayed an obvious injury to his left forearm consistent with a puncture wound. Atwood claimed that during a fistfight with John Book, he was stabbed by Book. However, Book denied the allegation, asserting that Atwood had broken into his residence prior to the altercation. No visible injuries were observed on Book during the investigation.
Further inquiry led officers to Myron Fuller, a witness, who recounted the altercation. Fuller stated that the confrontation escalated from a verbal argument to physical violence, during which Book allegedly pushed Atwood across the room and engaged in a physical altercation. Fuller claimed to have witnessed Book brandishing a knife and either cutting or stabbing Atwood before fleeing into the house. Despite Fuller’s account, no knife was found at the scene, and a search of the premises was not conducted due to the unsanitary conditions of the residence and lack of a detailed description of the weapon.
Atwood provided a statement and was assessed for his injuries, while Book was arrested on charges of Felonious Assault and transported to the Ross County Jail without incident.
The investigation into the stabbing incident on McKellar Street remains ongoing as authorities gather further evidence and statements from witnesses.
