Chillicothe, OH – Four individuals, including two juveniles, were arrested after attempting to flee from a theft incident at the Walmart store on River Trace Lane. The suspects, who were involved in stealing baseball equipment, led police on a foot chase through the area, resulting in several arrests.
The incident began on the evening of December 8, 2024, when Chillicothe police received a report of a theft at the Walmart location. Upon arrival, officers learned from Loss Prevention staff that a group of males had been spotted in the store, and two of them had stolen items. One suspect had taken a pair of baseball gloves valued at $19.97. Another suspect had stolen a pair of baseball gloves and a bat, totaling $67.95 in merchandise.
Loss Prevention contacted the group outside the store, where two suspects admitted to the theft and returned the stolen items. While one suspect stayed with Loss Prevention and was cooperative, the others fled into nearby woods.
As the search expanded, officers used an unmanned aerial vehicle to assist in locating the suspects. One suspect, later identified as 16-year-old juvenile, was spotted near the railroad tracks southeast of Walmart and was apprehended after hiding in the woods to evade arrest. This individual initially claimed they had stolen the gloves because they were unemployed and struggling financially but later admitted to running from officers. Although no stolen items were found on this individual, they were charged with Obstructing Official Business due to their attempts to avoid capture.
Officers also detained two other suspects, 31-year-old Timothy McGhee III and 16-year-old juvenile, who had fled into the woods after being told to stop by officers. One of the suspects was found with no stolen items but was charged with Obstructing Official Business for evading arrest. The other was taken into custody for theft and obstruction.
All juvenile suspects were later transported to the Ross County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). One was charged with Theft and Obstructing Official Business, while the other was charged with Obstructing Official Business. Both are scheduled for a court hearing on December 9, 2024, at the Ross County Juvenile Court.
31-year-old Timothy McGhee III was booked into the Ross County Jail (RCJ) on charges of Obstructing Official Business and will face a court appearance on the same date.
The suspect who had remained with Loss Prevention and cooperated with authorities was released to the custody of a family member. Juvenile charges for theft are expected to be filed following review by the Juvenile Prosecutor.
Chillicothe police continue to investigate the incident, and officers are still searching for one additional suspect involved in the theft who managed to evade capture.
