Ashland Police Division Releases Video of Pursuit from Robbery at Rite Aid
Joe Lyons •
July 29, 2024
Joe Lyons
Joe Lyons •
July 29, 2024
Mansfield Division of Police Asking for Assistance In Identifying Felony Theft Suspect
Joe Lyons •
July 29, 2024
The Mansfield Division of Police is seeking information from the community to identify a suspect in an ongoing felony theft investigation.
On February 21st, 2024, the suspect entered several Park National Bank locations in Mansfield and the surrounding area. The suspect presented checks to the tellers requesting to cash them. The suspect received cash from each of the locations, however, it was later discovered that each of the checks presented were counterfeit.
Detectives are requesting the communities assistance in identifying this suspect in an effort to bring him to justice.
Anyone with information about this investigation or the suspect is asked to call Mansfield Police Major Crimes Detective Larry Schacherer at (419) 755-9766.
Milan Post Investigating Pedestrian, Fatal Crash on the Ohio Turnpike
Joe Lyons •
July 29, 2024
MILAN – The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a pedestrian fatal crash. The crash occurred July 28, at 9:37 p.m., on the Ohio Turnpike, east of the State Route 51 interchange in Washington Township, Sandusky County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Srivatsa Bhamidipati, 22, Monroeville, PA., was traveling east on the turnpike near mile post 82.2, when it struck Dencer Morales-Garcia, 31, Frontera Comalapa Mexico, a pedestrian in the roadway.
Morales-Garcia succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene.
Bhamidipati and passenger were not injured as a result of the crash.
During the investigation, the eastbound lanes of the turnpike were closed for approximately an hour and a half.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Sandusky County EMS, Woodville Township EMS, Harris/Elmore Township Fire Department, Sandusky County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
Delaware Post Investigating Fatal Crash in Concord Township
Joe Lyons •
July 28, 2024
The Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 27, 2024 at approximately 4:06 P.M. on Moore Road at SR 745 in Concord Township.
Courtney B. Frederick, age 47, of Ostrander Ohio, was operating a silver 2015 Dodge Durango northbound on SR 745. Christopher Frederick, age 53, along with children ages 7, 9, and 16 years of age were passengers in the Dodge Durango. Bugi
Jung, age 40, of Powell Ohio, was operating a 2025 black Honda Pilot eastbound on Moore Road. Limyoon Jung, age 41 and a 4-year-old male child were passengers in the Honda Pilot.
Mr. Jung failed to stop at the stop sign where it was struck by the Dodge Durango. The Honda Pilot then traveled off the eastbound side of SR 745 striking a mailbox, fire hydrant, tree and overturned. The Dodge Durango traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
Mrs. Frederick and Mr. Frederick, along with the 16-year-old child were transported to Dublin Methodist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 7- and 9-year-old children were transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) and treated for minor injuries.
Mr. Jung and Mrs. Jung were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries. The 4-year-old male child was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) where he succumbed to his injuries.
All occupants in the Honda Pilot were not wearing a safety belts or restraints at the time of the crash. All occupants in the Dodge Durango were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation. Impairment and distractions are unknown at this time.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County EMS and Concord Township Fire and EMS.
6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party Photo Gallery
Joe Lyons •
July 28, 2024
See story: Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland
I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.
https://www.facebook.com/billharrischevy
https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisCDJR
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198 Photo’s
Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland
Joe Lyons •
July 28, 2024
Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland
Ashland, OH – The 6th annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” pool party proved to be an outstanding success, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and his team. The event, held under sunny skies, attracted over 1,400 participants, making it the most attended pool party in its history.
Mayor Matt Miller, along with his wife, State Representative Melanie Miller, personally greeted attendees and handed out leis, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the event. Melanie Miller even joined in the fun, dancing the “Cha-Cha Slide” with the children, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The party featured an array of activities, including pool games with around 3,000 rubber ducks, free Chick-fil-A meals, and refreshing snow cones. Music and dancing kept spirits high throughout the day, creating an unforgettable experience for all.
Reflecting on the event, Mayor Matt Miller expressed his delight, stating, “What a day we have had! We estimate over 1,400 people attended this year’s Big Splash pool party. We did a lot of planning, and our friends from Chick-fil-A had to bring another truck with more chicken to serve everyone. We’ve given out thousands of snow cones. It’s been a fantastic day with everyone in good spirits and plenty of big splashes in the pool.”
The highlight of the day was the “Big Splash” event, where all the young participants gathered around the pool, counted down, and jumped in simultaneously to create the biggest splash possible. Mayor Miller noted, “The kids have a wonderful time with it, and it’s refreshing for the adults too. This has truly been a wonderful big splash pool party.”
When asked if this was the largest crowd ever, Mayor Miller confirmed, “Absolutely, without question. Mother Nature cooperated with a beautiful day, and word is getting out that this is the most fantastic pool party around. Even with 1,000 people in the complex, everyone was laughing, singing, and dancing.”
The mayor also emphasized the importance of creating lasting memories for families and children. “One of our goals was to make memories for these families, especially the children. Years from now, we hope they remember the days spent in Brookside Park and want to come back and raise their families here.”
Mayor Miller expressed gratitude to his team and sponsors, saying, “I can’t thank the ladies in the mayor’s office, our department heads, and our park and recreation crew enough. They were out here early setting everything up. This event is entirely funded through donations, and we are grateful to the Norma Foundation, our primary sponsor, and all the individuals who contribute.”
The sense of community was unmistakable, with attendees from various nearby cities, including Akron, Mansfield, and Bucyrus, expressing their appreciation. Mayor Miller concluded, “We are blessed to have such a large and beautiful pool complex that can accommodate all these people. Ashland continues to be someplace special.”
The 6th annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” party was a resounding success, leaving attendees with cherished memories and anticipation for next year’s event.
See Photo Gallery of 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland
I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.
https://www.facebook.com/billharrischevy
https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisCDJR
https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisFord
Highway Patrol Investigating Two Vehicle Fatal Crash
Joe Lyons •
July 26, 2024
Pleasant Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 26 at approximately 5:40 a.m. on State Route 53 near County Road 38 in Pleasant Township, Seneca County.
The preliminary investigation showed a 2011 Nissan Frontier, operated by Dylan E. Schiets, 20, Oak Harbor, was traveling southbound on State Route 53. Schiets traveled left of center and struck a northbound 2018 Ford Fusion, operated by John P. Lunsford, age 56, Bucyrus. After the collision, the Frontier came to rest off the west side of the roadway and the Fusion came to final rest on State Route 53.
John Lunsford suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Dylan Schiets sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, Mercy Health Life Flight, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Reinhart Auto Body.
The incident remains under investigation
Governor DeWine Signs “Religious Expression Days” Bill Into Law
Joe Lyons •
July 26, 2024
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—On Wednesday, July 24, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bill into law:
House Bill 214, sponsored by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), enacts the “Religious Expression Days” or “R.E.D.” Act to require each public school to adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of students; to require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties.
Robbery at Rite Aid Pharmacy Leads to High-Speed Chase and Arrests
Joe Lyons •
July 25, 2024
On the evening of July 24, at approximately 7:34 p.m., the Ashland Police Division responded to a robbery at the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Avenue. According to witnesses, three black males fled the scene on foot before being picked up by a suspect vehicle, identified as a Silver Ford Escape.
The quick response by Ashland Police led to the initiation of a high-speed pursuit.
The pursuit began on Claremont Avenue, where the Silver Ford Escape was seen traveling at an excessive speed. During the chase, suspects discarded empty pill bottles from the vehicle.
The chase extended beyond city limits, continuing into the county and onto Interstate 71 southbound. The Ohio State Patrol from the Mansfield Post joined the pursuit near State Route 13. The high-speed chase came to an end on I-270 near Cemetery Road, thanks to coordinated efforts from multiple surrounding agencies.
The suspects apprehended in connection with the robbery are:
Sir Christon Spencer Unique Sincere Rogers, 23, of Huber Heights, Ohio
Sir Christon Spencer Unique Sincere Rogers
Kerry Dion Stephens, 24, of Trotwood, Ohio
Kerry Dion Stephens
James Phipps Marshawn, 23, of Dayton, Ohio
James Phipps Marshawn
Robert Lee Prater, 25, of Dayton, Ohio
Robert Lee Prater
Taquan Derion Thompson, 29, of Dayton, Ohio
Taquan Derion Thompson
All five suspects are currently being held in the Ashland County Jail pending a review of charges by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation into the robbery is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity or has non-emergency information related to the incident to contact the Ashland Police Division at 419-289-1911.
This significant arrest highlights the cooperation and quick action of multiple law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Ashland Police Investigate Rite Aid Pharmacy Robbery
Joe Lyons •
July 25, 2024
ASHLAND, OH – Ashland experienced its first pharmacy robbery yesterday at the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Ave. This incident is part of a troubling trend of similar robberies happening across Ohio and neighboring states, prompting authorities to investigate a potential coordinated criminal operation targeting pharmacies.
Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Ave
The Ashland robbery has raised suspicions due to its resemblance to other incidents in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. The timing and descriptions of the robbers suggest a possible link between these crimes.
Ohio ranked third in the nation for armed pharmacy robberies last year, trailing only California and Indiana. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio witnessed 42 armed pharmacy robberies last year.
***Ashland Police Division is expected to release a statement soon***
In a related incident just last month, the Ada Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred on June 24, 2024, at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 610 S. Main St., Ada, OH. The robbery took place at 8:54 p.m., with three suspects described as black males wearing COVID-19 style masks and dressed in all-black clothing. No weapons were seen or presented, and no injuries were reported. The suspects fled on foot with prescription medications and are believed to have left town in a vehicle shortly after. The Ada Police Department has urged the community to provide any information regarding the incident by contacting Detective Eichman at (419) 558-3360.
Pharmacy Robbery Safety Tips
Pharmacy Times offers the following advice for dealing with a robbery:
Cooperate fully: Prioritize safety over heroics. No amount of stolen drugs is worth risking lives.
Observe details: Pay attention to the perpetrator’s actions and what they touch. Note if there’s an accomplice and independently record descriptions of the suspects and the event.
Identify weapons: If a weapon is displayed, observe its type and color.
Stay calm: Indicate willingness to comply with demands.
Note escape details: If possible, record the escape vehicle’s description, license number, and direction. If the suspect is on foot, note their direction and initial route of travel.
Secure the premises: Lock down the building after the event and call the police.
Wait for authorities: Cooperate fully with the police upon their arrival.
The recent surge in pharmacy robberies highlights the need for heightened vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to tackle this growing problem.