Chillicothe, OH — A routine patrol in Chillicothe led to a dramatic encounter between two men that escalated into a high-speed pursuit and eventual arrest of one individual on multiple charges, including firearms-related offenses.
On November 18, 2024, while patrolling in a marked cruiser, Officer Shelby Lott encountered a male, identified as Brian Allen, in a silver car on North Bridge Street. Brian reported that another male, later identified as Justin Lee, had been harassing him. Brian informed Officer Lott that Justin had threatened to shoot him and was acting aggressively.
As the investigation progressed, a loud noise resembling a gunshot was heard. Brian confirmed he had also heard the sound, prompting further concern. Soon after, Officer Lott observed Justin driving a red 2023 Kia toward Brian’s vehicle at high speed. Justin stopped in front of both vehicles, exited his car, and made threatening remarks before walking toward Officer Lott’s cruiser. As tensions mounted, Brian backed his car away, and Officer Lott maneuvered her cruiser to create distance and protect herself and Brian.
Justin, seemingly intent on escalating the confrontation, re-entered his vehicle and drove toward Officer Lott’s cruiser at high speed, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Justin turned off his headlights and sped away northbound on North Bridge Street. Officer Lott initiated a pursuit, following Justin as he weaved in and out of traffic at speeds exceeding 100 mph. After a chase of approximately 4.45 miles, Officer Lott lost sight of Justin near the East Main Street exit.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol joined the pursuit, and other officers set up a perimeter. Justin was soon spotted on East Main Street, and a felony traffic stop was conducted by Officer Lott and others. Justin was ordered out of his vehicle at gunpoint and placed into custody without incident. A search revealed a loaded .357 revolver in his jacket pocket, along with open alcohol containers in his vehicle.
Justin, who was visibly intoxicated, refused to undergo field sobriety tests and declined to provide a urine sample when requested. He was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he later made statements indicating that the discharge of the firearm was accidental.
Brian Allen, the victim, provided a detailed statement about the events leading up to the confrontation. He described how Justin, whom he knew from their apartment complex and gym, had made unwarranted and threatening remarks, including telling Brian he would “blow him away” and accusing him of inappropriate behavior. Brian expressed fear for his safety and was advised on how to pursue a protection order.
Justin Lee was charged with multiple offenses, including Failure to Comply, Felonious Assault, Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI), and Using Weapons While Intoxicated. He remains in custody without bond, pending a municipal court appearance.
The firearm was test-fired on November 19, 2024, confirming that it was operational. The revolver, along with other evidence, was secured and placed into evidence.
The case remains under investigation, and no further details have been released at this time.
