Ashland Police Officer Assaulted During Possible Overdose Call

Joe Lyons • August 23, 2024

Ashland, OH — An Ashland Police officer was assaulted during a response to a possible overdose at an apartment on Sandusky Street, leading to the arrest of 33-year-old Joshua Mullins. The incident occurred on August 21, 2024, at approximately 7:26 PM.

Officers from the Ashland Police Division, along with Ashland EMS, arrived at 233 Sandusky Street, Apartment 2, following a call indicating that CPR was in progress. As emergency responders attempted to assist, the situation escalated into a physical altercation involving Mullins.

Citations against Mullins indicated that Mullins interfered with the emergency operations, leading officers to deploy a taser to subdue him. Mullins was then taken into custody with the taser probe still embedded in his right breast, as captured in photos taken at the scene.

According to police records obtained through a Freedom of Information request, Mullins faces multiple charges, including:

Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2)

Assault: Knowingly Cause or Attempt Physical Harm (Felony 4)

Resisting Arrest: Causing Physical Harm to Law Enforcement Officer (Misdemeanor 1)

Misconduct at an Emergency: Hampering Operations (Misdemeanor 1)

Further investigation revealed additional serious charges. Court records from Ashland County Common Pleas Court show that Mullins is also accused of Corrupting Another with Drugs (Felony 2). The charge alleges that on or about August 21, Mullins knowingly administered or induced the use of methadone, a Schedule II controlled substance, to XXXXX XXXXX, causing her serious physical harm.

A bond hearing for Mullins is scheduled for August 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM. If convicted on all counts, Mullins could face significant prison time, particularly for the felony charge of corrupting another with drugs.

The incident highlights the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement and emergency personnel, especially in situations involving drug-related emergencies, but the case is expected to be pursued aggressively.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding drug abuse and the volatility of emergency situations. I will update the community as proceedings against Mullins move forward.

*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***