A routine patrol by the Chillicothe Police Department led to the arrest of 28-year-old Ethan Fields on December 19, 2024, after officers discovered he was wanted on an active warrant. The incident took place near the back parking lot of Ross County Bank on East Main Street, where Fields was spotted walking with a group of men.
Officer Joshua Wright, who was on patrol at the time, recognized Fields from previous interactions and knew he had an outstanding warrant. Upon stopping to make the arrest, Fields reached into his sweatshirt pocket and pulled out a small semi-automatic handgun, tossing it to the ground as he was being handcuffed. The firearm was later identified as a SCCY 9mm handgun, and a check confirmed it was not stolen.
As the arrest proceeded, officers found a cut straw on Fields, commonly associated with drug use, and Fields admitted to recently relapsing after being clean for about nine months. Further searching revealed additional drug paraphernalia, including a cut pop can with dried residue and a bottle cap containing blood and cotton, which are often used in narcotic consumption.
After transporting Fields to the Ross County Jail, officers discovered a loaded hypodermic needle on his person. The needle, which Fields described as “blood and flush,” was seized for safety reasons. During intake, a search revealed Fields attempting to conceal items on his person. Despite initially denying it, he later produced a brown knotted plastic bag containing multiple capsules, which he claimed were gabapentin and neurontin. Fields stated he concealed the drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Fields was booked on charges including Tampering With Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments. He was also served with the warrant related to a previous criminal trespass charge, requiring him to serve four days in jail.
The investigation continues as additional substances, including white powder found in a plastic baggie, will be sent to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for identification. The firearm and all drug-related items were secured in evidence for further processing.
