Chillicothe police are investigating an incident that occurred at 212 South Walnut Street on February 16, 2025, after reports of a firearm being discharged.
According to dispatch, officers responded to a possible disorderly incident at the location and were informed that a firearm had been fired. Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter around the residence and made multiple loudspeaker announcements in an attempt to get anyone inside to come out. Despite these efforts, no one initially responded.
Officers later made contact with the homeowner, who reported that someone had jumped out of a window. A search of the residence was conducted, and officers found two handguns in a rear bedroom, along with a hole in the ceiling. No injured individuals were located inside.
Further investigation revealed that the homeowner had been experiencing mental health difficulties and mistakenly believed someone had broken into his home. In a state of distress, he had fired a handgun into the ceiling. The firearms were checked and confirmed not to be stolen.
The homeowner was taken to Adena Regional Medical Center for a mental health evaluation and was placed under a mental health hold. Family members were contacted, with his parents expressing concerns about his medication regimen. They agreed to take custody of the firearms for safekeeping.
At this time, no charges are being filed, and the incident remains under investigation.
