CHILLICOTHE, OH — A Chillicothe man was arrested on December 20, 2024, after allegedly setting a fire at a local speakeasy. Officers were dispatched to 31 S. Paint St. following reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, complainant Kyle Davis informed police that a man, later identified as Brian Howard, entered the establishment asking patrons to buy him a drink. After being refused, Howard reportedly became agitated, went into the restroom, and lit a trash can on fire.
Witnesses reported that after exiting the restroom, Howard made a vulgar gesture towards another customer before leaving the business. He left behind a bag containing sandwiches and medication on a table outside. Concerned patrons searched for Howard’s identity online, discovering that he had recently been released from Ross County Jail.
Officers were able to confirm Howard’s identity through his medication information. Meanwhile, dispatch alerted them that he had entered a nearby establishment, Paper City Coffee. Upon locating Howard, Officer Davis advised him of his Miranda rights. During this interaction, Howard reportedly became increasingly agitated, repeatedly shouting and mentioning that he was “off his meds.”
Howard was placed under arrest for arson and transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was left in the custody of jail staff. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be reported as they become available.
