Chillicothe, OH — A shooting incident early on October 12, 2024, near the Wobbly Ghost Tavern on East Main Street prompted a large police response and led to the discovery of evidence linked to the gunfire, including blood trails, spent shell casings, and a bullet fragment lodged in a nearby business. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting, while another suspect remains at large.
The incident began around 2:40 a.m. when multiple officers reported hearing gunshots in the area of North Bridge Street and East Main Street. Officer Christian Seymour was the first to investigate, reporting hearing what appeared to be gunfire in the direction of Bridge Street. As he approached, dispatch confirmed they had received calls of shots fired near the Wobbly Ghost Tavern, located at 289 E Main Street.
Witnesses at the scene provided information about the shooting, a woman who was sitting in a vehicle near the tavern, told officers she saw two individuals in the alley behind the Wobbly Ghost shoot at a person who was near the rear of the nearby Advanced Auto Parts. According to her, the victim returned fire before the suspects fled in different directions—one toward the Valero gas station and the other down Ewing Street.
Officers quickly began searching the area for evidence, following a blood trail that led them from East Main Street and Ewing Street to the alley behind 335 E 4th Street. They discovered several blood spots, suggesting the victim may have been injured. In addition to the blood trail, officers located several shell casings, bullet fragments, and a live round in the alley behind the tavern. One bullet was later found to have traveled through the window of 295 E 2nd Street, a nearby building.
As officers canvassed the area, they spoke with a person, who had witnessed part of the altercation. She reported hearing an argument between two individuals in the alley behind Advance Auto, followed by multiple gunshots. She mentioned hearing one of the individuals being called “Steve” but could not identify the suspects or offer further details. She also told officers she saw people running in different directions after the shots were fired.
Evidence gathered from the scene included seven spent 9mm casings, two bullet fragments, and a live round. The bullet hole found in the window of 295 E 2nd Street led officers to contact the building’s owner, who granted permission to search the property.
Surveillance footage from the Wobbly Ghost Tavern, captured a man, later identified as Kortland Addym Bates and William James Madison-Allen, has been charged in connection with the shooting. Bates faces charges including Felonious Assault and Having Weapons Under Disability, while Madison-Allen is charged with Possession of Drugs and also faces the weapons charge. A third person who has not been arrested is also of interest.
As of now, police are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the remaining suspect. Authorities have also noted that the evidence recovered—particularly the amount of blood—suggests that the shooting was a targeted attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. Officers are also working with local businesses to retrieve more video footage that may assist in identifying any other individuals involved.
