CHILLICOTHE, OH – A routine traffic stop for a bicycle tail light violation turned into a chase early Tuesday morning, leading to the arrest of a man with outstanding warrants and suspected fentanyl in his possession.
According to the Chillicothe Police Department, Officer Jon Campbell observed a man riding a bicycle westbound without a required tail light. When the cyclist, later identified as Bobby Matthews, failed to stop at a stop sign at Water Street, the officer initiated a traffic stop.
Matthews initially complied, stopping his bike and appearing to step off. However, as Officer Campbell prepared to exit his cruiser, Matthews abruptly sat back down and fled, leading the officer on a brief pursuit through city streets and alleyways.
The chase ended when Matthews abandoned his bike and attempted to escape on foot near Second Street. Despite repeated warnings to stop or risk being tased, Matthews continued running until he fell to the ground, at which point the officer was able to detain him.
A background check revealed that Matthews had two active warrants—one for probation violation in Chillicothe for failure to report and another from Butler County. During a search following his arrest, police discovered a bottle cap in his pocket containing a small yellow baggie with a powdery substance. Matthews admitted the substance was fentanyl.
After being read his Miranda rights, Matthews denied having any other contraband. He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he is being held on his probation violation and a failure to comply charge. Butler County authorities were also notified of his arrest. The suspected fentanyl was secured as evidence and will be sent for further testing.
The case remains under investigation.
