Chillicothe — The Ross County Grand Jury returned all 16 of their cases Friday, April 26th, 2024, with nine open for release to the public. From testimony in the grand jury in one of the cases, according to the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office:
On April 16th, Chillicothe police responded to the McDonald’s at 40 North Bridge Street in response to witnesses who reported a suspicious person with a gun.
Upon arrival, they were informed that the suspect had brandished a gun at subjects stopped at the nearby red light, and then the suspect went into the restaurant.
There, officers made contact with 21-year-old Noah Chase Richards, who is currently under indictment for theft and receiving stolen property, and has several warrants for his arrest.
Richards began backing away from the officers, but they grabbed him. He resisted and they tackled him, and witnesses said they saw Richards throw a handgun that landed near a register. An officer was injured on the left knee during the arrest.
Officers did pick up a black KelTec pistol on the floor near a register. Richards is not under weapons disability, is not accused of pointing the gun at anyone (only brandishing), and is not anticipated to be charged with any weapons violation.
For indictments on third-degree felony escape and fifth-degree felony obstructing official business, Richards could get up to a total of four years and $12.500 in fines.
