CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A Chillicothe man was arrested Monday after allegedly assaulting a woman at her East Water Street home, leaving her with severe injuries, according to police reports.
Officers responded to the 800 block of East Water Street on December 10 following an assault complaint. Upon arrival, they found the victim with extensive facial injuries and covered in blood. Police observed lacerations, swelling, bruises, and contusions on her face, as well as discoloration around her neck consistent with strangulation.
The victim identified the suspect as Samuel Fields, 45, a man she had recently met online and allowed to stay at her home. The two had been cohabiting for a few weeks, but tensions reportedly escalated earlier that day during a disagreement at a local Dollar General store.
According to the victim, Fields became angry after she suggested he buy groceries for her mother as well. The argument continued when Fields returned to her home to retrieve his belongings. After forcing his way inside, Fields allegedly strangled the victim, punched her repeatedly, and threatened her life, saying she had “picked a good day to die.”
The victim told police she thought she would lose consciousness during the attack and sustained further injuries when Fields kicked her in the head. She eventually managed to break free and persuade Fields to leave the residence before calling 911.
Fields returned to the home later that day and was arrested. Officers noted blood on his hands and clothing consistent with the reported assault. He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was charged with felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence. Authorities also confirmed Fields had two active warrants out of Montgomery County for domestic violence and probation violations.
The victim was treated at Adena Regional Medical Center for a suspected broken nose, fractured orbital bone, and other injuries. She has since filed charges and plans to seek a protection order.
Fields has a lengthy criminal record, including multiple felonious assault convictions and other violent offenses, which elevate the strangulation charge to a third-degree felony. He is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on December 11.
The investigation is ongoing.
