A man has been arrested after allegedly abducting a 7-year-old boy during a chaotic incident in Ashville, Ohio, on December 16, 2024.
According to law enforcement reports, the incident began when deputies received a call about a suspicious man standing near the stop sign at Winchester Road and Bell Station Road. Upon arrival, deputies encountered a man standing in the yard of 18990 Winchester Road. He appeared distressed and reported that he had been a passenger in a white Chevrolet hatchback with his 7-year-old son. He told police the driver was his cousin, identified only as “Tweedy,” who had his daughter in the back of the car as well.
He explained that “Tweedy” had been driving erratically, using drugs, and drinking while driving. He alleged that after pulling over at the stop sign, he asked “Tweedy” if he could exit the car to retrieve his phone that had fallen under the seat. He then claimed that while he was reaching for the phone, “Tweedy” took off, leaving him behind and taking his son with him.
Deputies immediately broadcasted an alert to surrounding agencies, seeking to locate the vehicle. Reports identified the white Chevrolet hatchback as missing a passenger-side mirror, and dispatch provided a description of the suspect as a 5’11”, Black male in his 40s with dreadlocks, wearing a red sweatshirt.
Further investigation and police tracking located the suspect, later identified as Larry Jerome Banks, and the missing child in Columbus. Law enforcement agencies coordinated their efforts to arrest Banks and return the child safely. Banks was apprehended and transported to a nearby location for questioning before being taken to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives learned that Banks was drinking while driving and under the influence of suspected cocaine during the incident. Investigators discovered his history of previous drug arrests and drug-related offenses. A search revealed vehicle registration tied to Banks’ location, and additional evidence confirmed his involvement in the abduction.
After interviews and investigation, Larry Banks was charged with Interference with Custody, a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law. The Ohio Revised Code states that any individual who “entices, takes, keeps, or harbors” a minor without legal privilege to do so can be charged under this code.
The two were reunited at their residence with assistance from Columbus Police and Pickaway County deputies. Authorities commended the swift coordination between local and state law enforcement agencies in ensuring the child’s safe recovery and apprehending the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine further details of the events leading up to the abduction.
