Chillicothe, OH – December 12, 2024 – A suspected shoplifter led Chillicothe Police on a dangerous bicycle chase through city streets before being apprehended. The incident began at Gabe’s store on East Main Street, where staff reported a theft in progress.
Officer Matthew Richardson responded to the call at approximately 6:30 p.m., meeting store manager. She informed him of a man, later identified as David Daniels, who allegedly stole items and fled on a bicycle. Security footage showed Daniels leaving the store with a noticeable bulge in his jacket, suggesting concealed stolen goods. Clad in a dark coat, jeans, muck boots, and a red-orange toboggan, Daniels was easily identifiable.
About 40 minutes later, Officer Richardson spotted a cyclist matching the description traveling southbound on Bridge Street without bike lights. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, Daniels ignored the siren and fled, weaving dangerously through oncoming traffic. The chase continued southbound before Daniels turned onto Riverside Drive, then into an alley near Liberty Income Tax, where he abandoned the bicycle and fled on foot.
Police quickly located Daniels near Auto Zone, where Officer Canterbury apprehended him. Daniels was secured in handcuffs and read his Miranda rights. During a search, police discovered a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue in his backpack. The bag also contained two pairs of jeans, a hoodie, and Kobalt tools, including a socket set and utility knife still in their original packaging.
Daniels denied stealing from Gabe’s but admitted being inside the store. He claimed the tools were given to him by a friend, though police later confirmed the items were from Lowe’s. They were returned to the store, as the exact timing of the theft could not be determined.
Daniels was booked at the Ross County Jail on charges of Obstructing Official Business (M2) and Drug Paraphernalia (M4). He also received a traffic citation for riding a bicycle without lights. Refusing to sign the citation, Daniels remains in custody pending a court appearance scheduled for December 13, 2024, at 9 a.m.
Police were unable to transport Daniels’ large bicycle, which was left near Liberty Income Tax. The methamphetamine pipe was photographed as evidence and disposed of. Investigations into the Gabe’s theft are ongoing as store staff work to determine the items stolen.
