CHILLICOTHE, OH — A Chillicothe woman is recovering after an alleged domestic violence incident involving her ex-boyfriend, which occurred over a 24-hour period in mid-November. The incident, which reportedly involved physical assault and threats to her life, is under investigation by the Chillicothe Police Department.
According to police reports, a woman contacted authorities on November 17, 2024, to file a complaint about a series of events that began the evening of November 16. She told officers that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Joseph Sandlin, visited her home, and the two drove to a local Speedway. While at the gas station, She says Sandlin made threatening statements, including threats to kill her and burn down her house. When she attempted to return home and leave her vehicle behind, Sandlin allegedly took her phone and insisted that she accompany him to Latham, Ohio.
Once in Latham, she attempted to escape by jumping out of the vehicle injuring herslef while trying to flee. She claims Sandlin then caught up with her, strangled her, and hit her head against his vehicle. She says the strangulation caused her to have difficulty breathing, but she did not lose consciousness.
Despite the violence, she was able to calm Sandlin down by telling him she would stay with him and marry him. He eventually returned her to her home, where she tried to call police. However, Sandlin allegedly became violent again, taking her phone and preventing her from seeking help.
She later escaped to a friend’s house and was driven to an emergency room in Grove City, where she was treated for potential injuries related to the strangulation. After being advised by Grove City police, she filed a formal report with the Chillicothe Police Department.
In addition to physical violence, She also shared text messages from Sandlin, in which he allegedly threatened to ram her vehicle into her home. She said that Sandlin took her truck without permission, despite her warning that it was registered in her name.
Chillicothe police have referred the strangulation portion of the case to Pike County authorities, as it occurred in that jurisdiction. Officers are continuing to investigate the alleged theft of the truck, which has been entered as a stolen vehicle in the LEADS system.
On November 21, 2024 Joseph Sadlin was arrested and charged with Kidnapping and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, with charges out of Pike County pending. He is currently being held in Ross Countr jail with a 50,000 dollar bond.
