CHILLICOTHE, OH — On December 21, 2024, police responded to a report of suspicious activity at Speedway located at 1136 E. Main Street, leading to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges.
Officers were initially dispatched for a welfare check after reports from the Pilot Gas Station indicated that individuals in a white SUV were attempting to ingest narcotics. Upon arrival, Officer Chance Blankenship located the vehicle in the Speedway parking lot and approached the driver’s side.
Inside the vehicle, Officer Blankenship observed John Seiler holding an aluminum can with what appeared to be melted narcotics and a spoon with white residue. A clear baggie containing a white powdery substance was also seen on Seiler’s lap. Officers ordered him to drop the items, which he complied with before being detained.
Officers Tuttle and Elrich arrived to assist, and they began to engage with the other occupants of the vehicle. Kaylyn Hammonds, the front seat passenger, was asked to exit and was found to have multiple hypodermic syringes under her seat. She was detained, but no additional evidence was found on her person.
The rear passenger, identified as Cassandra Butz, was also detained. A search of the vehicle revealed more drug paraphernalia, including additional clear baggies of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as hypodermic needles.
During questioning, Seiler acknowledged that the substances in the aluminum can and baggies were fentanyl, commonly referred to as “Fetty.” Both Seiler and Butz had active warrants; Seiler was wanted in Kentucky for drug possession, while Butz had a warrant from Union County for child support.
Due to medical concerns—Butz had an infection in her arm and Seiler a wound on his leg—both were transported to Adena Hospital for evaluation before being taken to the Ross County Jail. Seiler was booked for his warrant and as a fugitive from justice, while Butz was booked for her warrant.
All evidence collected at the scene, including hypodermic needles and suspected narcotics, was documented and secured in the police evidence locker. Further charges may be filed pending laboratory results. The investigation is ongoing.
