According to recent updates provided by the Humane Society of Ashland County Ohio, we are pleased to report that our four-legged friend, who was tragically struck on State Route 545 on December 18, 2023, is still under the attentive care of our friends at Claremont Veterinary Clinic.
Every day, he continues to make small but significant improvements in his condition and is now able to stand on his own. However, it is important to note that the road to recovery remains long and arduous for our furry companion.
Sadly, despite our diligent efforts, no owners have come forward to claim responsibility for him. We did, however, uncover information that someone had been attempting to catch the dog a few weeks prior to the unfortunate accident.
Rest assured that they remain committed to providing this brave canine with the best possible care and are actively seeking a loving and responsible forever home once he recovers fully.
Animal Abuse Case Against Christopher Ferrell bond hearing on 1-02-2023 and the Criminal video appearance today, both by video.
Press Release from yesterday on this case
Today, Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced that a complaint had been filed in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas against Christopher Paul Ferrell (DOB: 01/20/1973) of Ashland. The Complaint, filed by the Ashland Police Department, charges Ferrell with cruelty to animals, also known as Goddard’s Law, and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance, both felonies of the fifth degree.
On December 30, 2023, concerned citizens approached on-duty Ashland Police Officers to advise that they had found an injured cat in a litter box that had been taped shut and thrown in a dumpster on West Main Street in the City of Ashland. The cat was alive, but severely injured.
The Ashland Police Department contacted The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, Inc., a nonprofit organization that cares for homeless cats. Laura Bailey, the Director of the organization, coordinated care with Dr. Lisa Schwan of the Spring Meadow Veterinary Clinic to provide emergency medical treatment for the animal.
It was determined that the cat was suffering from inflicted, blunt force trauma and a penetrating wound to the head believed to be from a pellet gun. It was determined that the cat was beyond care and was euthanized.
Multiple officers from the Ashland Police Department initiated an investigation. Following that investigation, Mr. Ferrell was arrested on the aforementioned charges.
During the investigation, the Ashland Police Department seized a pellet rifle, as well as several firearms. One of the seized firearms is alleged to be a “sawed off” shotgun, with a shorter length than what is allowed under Ohio law. This firearm is the basis for the possession of a dangerous ordnance count contained in the complaint.
Prosecutor Tunnell commented, “It is inconceivable to me how anyone would find it necessary to beat an animal in this manner. Out of this tragedy, however, Ashland County can take heart that the Ashland Police Department, Laura Bailey and The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, and Veterinarians like Doctor Schwan stand ready to help without hesitation.”
“This is yet another example of the success that can be found when law enforcement and citizens cooperate. Many thanks are due those who participated in the investigation of this case.” Tunnell added, “The Cat House Feline Sanctuary is a non- profit organization and has told me they are responsible for some of the costs associated with the veterinary care of this animal. The public can donate to The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, Inc. online by going to catsanctuaryashland.org or mailing donations to The Cat House Feline Sanctuary at 1130 E. Main St. #136, Ashland, Ohio 44805.”
Bond was set this afternoon by the Common Pleas Court at $25,000 cash or surety. Additionally, if bond is posted, Ferrell will not be allowed to possess any animals or weapons including air rifles in addition to other conditions. The case will be called on January 3 at 2:30pm for an initial appearance before the Common Pleas Court.
Prosecutor Tunnell stressed that the complaint contains allegations that will need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Christopher Ferrell and all persons charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty.
Ashland County Dog Warden Joe Eggerton just posted the following:
Anyone out there in the vicinity of County Road’s 500 & 175, West Salem, missing this very sweet but scared young female Golden Retriever? She was picked up after receiving a call, stating that there was a Golden that was hit, curled up laying in the tall weed’s by a creek… possibly dead.
After locating the dog, we noticed the beautiful little girl was hit by a car & desperately in need of medical help. We rushed this poor little girl to Claremont Veterinary Clinic, where she was evaluated, given some shot’s for infection & some pain meds to keep her comfortable. She was immediately transferred to Northview Animal Hospital in Grafton. Currently she has been named “Sandy” by staff to have a name to be referenced by.
If anyone knows where this sweet baby girl belongs, or if you may know who this girls owner is, please message this post, or call the Ashland County Dog Shelter @ (419)-289-1455 with any information, immediately. In addition it is imperative for this girls owner to contact our medical rep from No Pawz Left Behind, Stephanie Krueger @ (419)-651-4516, as she needs the owner to call her because there are many medical decisions going to need to be made regarding this poor baby’s health!
Please send loving prayers for this precious little lady who was hit by a car and left for dead, down an embankment, next to a stream. When we left the vet, she was stable and being loaded for transport to Grafton!
Today, Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced that a complaint had been filed in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas against Christopher Paul Ferrell (DOB: 01/20/1973) of Ashland. The Complaint, filed by the Ashland Police Department, charges Ferrell with cruelty to animals, also known as Goddard’s Law, and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance, both felonies of the fifth degree.
On December 30, 2023, concerned citizens approached on-duty Ashland Police Officers to advise that they had found an injured cat in a litter box that had been taped shut and thrown in a dumpster on West Main Street in the City of Ashland. The cat was alive, but severely injured.
The Ashland Police Department contacted The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, Inc., a nonprofit organization that cares for homeless cats. Laura Bailey, the Director of the organization, coordinated care with Dr. Lisa Schwan of the Spring Meadow Veterinary Clinic to provide emergency medical treatment for the animal.
It was determined that the cat was suffering from inflicted, blunt force trauma and a penetrating wound to the head believed to be from a pellet gun. It was determined that the cat was beyond care and was euthanized.
Multiple officers from the Ashland Police Department initiated an investigation. Following that investigation, Mr. Ferrell was arrested on the aforementioned charges.
During the investigation, the Ashland Police Department seized a pellet rifle, as well as several firearms. One of the seized firearms is alleged to be a “sawed off” shotgun, with a shorter length than what is allowed under Ohio law. This firearm is the basis for the possession of a dangerous ordnance count contained in the complaint.
Prosecutor Tunnell commented, “It is inconceivable to me how anyone would find it necessary to beat an animal in this manner. Out of this tragedy, however, Ashland County can take heart that the Ashland Police Department, Laura Bailey and The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, and Veterinarians like Doctor Schwan stand ready to help without hesitation.”
“This is yet another example of the success that can be found when law enforcement and citizens cooperate. Many thanks are due those who participated in the investigation of this case.” Tunnell added, “The Cat House Feline Sanctuary is a non- profit organization and has told me they are responsible for some of the costs associated with the veterinary care of this animal. The public can donate to The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, Inc. online by going to catsanctuaryashland.org or mailing donations to The Cat House Feline Sanctuary at 1130 E. Main St. #136, Ashland, Ohio 44805.”
Bond was set this afternoon by the Common Pleas Court at $25,000 cash or surety. Additionally, if bond is posted, Ferrell will not be allowed to possess any animals or weapons including air rifles in addition to other conditions. The case will be called on January 3 at 2:30pm for an initial appearance before the Common Pleas Court.
Prosecutor Tunnell stressed that the complaint contains allegations that will need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Christopher Ferrell and all persons charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Calvin Brooks. Brooks is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on the original charge of burglary F1. Brooks, 45, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Calvin Brooks
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Trenton Schoenman. Schoenman is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on the original charge of weapons under disability, aggravated possession of drugs, and tampering with evidence. Schoenman, 23, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Schoenman has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Wooster Ohio.
Trenton Schoenman
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mario Jester. Jester is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery F1. Jester, 54, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Jester has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Mario Jester
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Damir Swann. Swann is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of cocaine and possession of fentanyl related compound F1. Swann, 28, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Swann has ties to the cities of Detroit MI and Mansfield.
Damir Swann
If you have any information in reference to Rafael Martinez, Trenton Schoenman, David Greene, or Brian Mays, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting six fatal crashes resulting in seven fatalities on Ohio’s roadways during the 2023-2024 New Year’s holiday according to provisional statistics. Of the seven fatalities, five of those killed were not wearing an available safety belt.
The four-day reporting period began at midnight on Friday, December 29, 2023, and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024. This is a decrease from the four-day reporting period last year when 13 fatalities were reported.
Troopers made 3,259 traffic enforcement contacts; including 272 OVI arrests, 106 distracted driving and 409 safety belt citations.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available here.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) saw a similar volume of requests for investigations of officer-involved critical incidents (OICI) in 2023 compared to last year, according to data released today by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Local law enforcement agencies requested BCI to investigate 58 OICIs in 2023, one fewer than in 2022. Under AG Yost’s leadership, BCI has investigated over 260 officer-involved critical incidents since 2019.
BCI’s Special Investigations Unit led investigations for 55 of 2023’s OICIs, with assistance from other sections of BCI, including the Crime Scene, Cyber Crimes and Criminal Intelligence units. For three incidents, local agencies only requested the services of BCI’s Crime Scene Unit to process crime scenes.
Thirty-four OICI investigations were completed and referred to the appropriate county prosecuting attorneys, and 24 investigations remain active and ongoing.
In 2023, 40 individual law enforcement agencies submitted requests to BCI to investigate officer-involved shootings.
The most frequent requestor of BCI was the Columbus Division of Police (11), followed by the Canton Police Department (3) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (3).
Thirteen sheriff’s offices requested BCI to conduct at least one investigation in 2023.
August was the busiest month for BCI units as they opened 9 investigations within a span of 24 days.
While several law enforcement officers were shot, no officers died during officer-involved shootings in 2023.
Transparency
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office remains committed to post-investigation transparency in all officer-involved critical incidents.
This commitment means the public is given access to records after BCI has completed its investigation – a process that forms the basis for any legal action stemming from the incident – and either a prosecutor or grand jury has decided not to indict the case, or the case has been adjudicated in court.
AG Yost began posting complete investigative files to the AGO’s website in 2020 for all fatal officer-involved critical incidents investigated by BCI and/or prosecuted by the attorney general’s Special Prosecutions Section.
In 2023, 28 case files were added, including over 1,100 investigative reports and over 650 video files. The files, which include numerous photographs and graphic reconstruction comprise nearly 850 gigabytes of data.
The investigative files have gained over 25,000 pageviews as the public has accessed the files.
About the Process
Ohio law enforcement has sole jurisdiction to investigate their agency’s own officer-involved critical incidents, but many communities turn to BCI to conduct an independent investigation.
“There are no surprises when BCI is requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting – we’ve literally written the book on how to conduct a use-of-force investigation and made it available for anyone to review,” Yost said.
“Best Practices for Investigating an Officer-Involved Critical Incident” was published by BCI Special-Agent-in-Charge Mark Kollar in 2021 and is available on the AGO website here.
BCI defines an officer-involved critical incident as the discharge of a firearm by a law enforcement officer during the course of their duties that is directed at another person, any incident in which a law enforcement officer suffers serious physical harm or death at the hands of another, and any incident involving the use of force by a law enforcement officer against another person.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 109.54, BCI must be formally invited to become involved in an investigation by a formal request or by a memorandum of understanding.
BCI investigations into officer-involved critical incidents seek the facts and circumstances of each incident and do not include any determination of fault. The legality of the actions involved are determined by a county prosecuting attorney and/or grand jury.
Additional information about the investigative process is available on the AGO’s website.
December 31, 1969; Delta Company is still working in the same area where the day before we lost Marlin (KIA) and Young, Howard and Piccirillo (WIA). Ben Chua had always been a strong hold for the NVA/VC and a dangerous area to work. Late in the afternoon we decided on a location for our night ambush position.
It was a trail that showed some recent foot activity (Ho Chi Minh sandal prints). Ho Chi Minh sandals were worn by enemy soldiers. They were made from recycled tires. We waited until the last light to move into the AP (ambush position). We setup our claymores to cover the kill zone and placed mechanical claymores up and down the trail.
We called our position into TOC (tactical operations center) and plotted the location with Artillery (red legs) at Fire Base Kien. We established a watch schedule and remained at 100% until darkness fell. Throughout the night we could see and hear Night Hawks (helicopters fitted with infrared night vision and electric mini guns that fired 4,000 rounds a minute) working in the area.
They were used at night for close in support or when targets of opportunity were located. Suddenly, at approximately 0500 on January 1, 1970, one of the mechanical claymores detonated. We checked out the area but could only find the remains of a rabbit that apparently set off the device.
It wasn’t a good start to the New Year for the rabbit. I still have 217 days left in-country.
December 31, 1969; Delta Company is still working in the same area where the day before we lost Marlin (KIA) and Young, Howard and Piccirillo (WIA). Ben Chua had always been a strong hold for the NVA/VC and a dangerous area to work. Late in the afternoon we decided on a location for our night ambush position.
It was a trail that showed some recent foot activity (Ho Chi Minh sandal prints). Ho Chi Minh sandals were worn by enemy soldiers. They were made from recycled tires. We waited until the last light to move into the AP (ambush position). We setup our claymores to cover the kill zone and placed mechanical claymores up and down the trail.
We called our position into TOC (tactical operations center) and plotted the location with Artillery (red legs) at Fire Base Kien. We established a watch schedule and remained at 100% until darkness fell. Throughout the night we could see and hear Night Hawks (helicopters fitted with infrared night vision and electric mini guns that fired 4,000 rounds a minute) working in the area.
They were used at night for close in support or when targets of opportunity were located. Suddenly, at approximately 0500 on January 1, 1970, one of the mechanical claymores detonated. We checked out the area but could only find the remains of a rabbit that apparently set off the device.
It wasn’t a good start to the New Year for the rabbit. I still have 217 days left in-country.
Subscribe to receive a free email as soon as a big story is posted
Joe Lyons •
January 3, 2024
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Calvin Brooks. Brooks is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on the original charge of burglary F1. Brooks, 45, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Trenton Schoenman. Schoenman is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on the original charge of weapons under disability, aggravated possession of drugs, and tampering with evidence. Schoenman, 23, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Schoenman has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Wooster Ohio.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mario Jester. Jester is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery F1. Jester, 54, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Jester has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Damir Swann. Swann is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of cocaine and possession of fentanyl related compound F1. Swann, 28, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Swann has ties to the cities of Detroit MI and Mansfield.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting six fatal crashes resulting in seven fatalities on Ohio’s roadways during the 2023-2024 New Year’s holiday according to provisional statistics. Of the seven fatalities, five of those killed were not wearing an available safety belt.
