On October 19, 2024, at 1:56 am, officers responded to 200 Cline Ave for a reported domestic violence. Officers made contact with the female victim and Michael S. Oswalt II, who was in possession of a knife.
The male fled back inside the residence, which was occupied by the female victim’s two small children, ages 6 and 8. The female then was able to get back inside the residence from the rear door.
The officers immediately established communication with the Mr. Oswalt, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team arrived on the scene to begin negotiations.
During the three hours of negotiations, the suspect released the two children. A short time later the female victim was able to flee out the back door where SWAT operators Sgt. Shane Gess, Sgt. Michael Haines, Sgt. Joseph Gladden and Officer Paul Webb were positioned.
The male suspect was observed chasing the victim and was armed with a knife(s). Less lethal munitions were fired at the suspect with little to no effect. Operators were then forced to use lethal force to stop his actions.
SWAT paramedics were on scene and immediately began life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Richland County Prosecutors arrived on the scene.
BCI will be handling the investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
Breaking News: US Route 250 in Rowsburg Shut Down for FBI Activity
Rowsburg, OH – In a developing story, US Route 250 in Rowsburg was shut down this morning as the FBI executed a search warrant at 158 Front Street. The operation was supported by Deputies and Detectives from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, sparking considerable local attention.
Witnesses reported seeing law enforcement officers with guns drawn as they secured the area.
Traffic was blocked off at County Road 251 and US Route 250 at County Road 175, with detours in place to reroute vehicles around the closed stretch.
When asked for more details, the officer-in-charge at the scene declined to provide any additional information, directing inquiries to the FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Office. He did, however, assure that there was “no public danger” from the ongoing operation.
Later in the morning, FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate responded to a FOIR and issued a brief statement: “The FBI was conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity at 158 US Route 250, Polk, Ohio. While I am unable to provide further details, I want to assure the community that there is no reason for concern regarding public safety.”
At this time, the nature of the FBI’s investigation remains undisclosed, and there is no indication of any immediate threat to the public.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Jackson Township
Jackson Township, OH – October 21, 2024
Authorities responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash late Monday evening in Jackson Township. At approximately 9:19 PM, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene on Rock Road North, near Stein Road, after a report of a car accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2017 Dodge Charger, driven by Louis D. Rittenberry, 57, of Shelby, Ohio, was traveling north on Rock Road North when it veered off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then went up an embankment before re-entering the road, only to cross over to the right side and plunge into a nearby creek.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Mr. Rittenberry to Avita Ontario Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Shelby City Fire Department and Westside Towing assisted at the crash site. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash.
Ashland – National School Bus Safety Week begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday,
October 25. During this time, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase enforcement efforts regarding
school bus violations. These violations include passing a stopped school bus, school zone violations and
other school bus or school zone-related activity.
National School Bus Safety Week is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and
serves as a reminder to motorists, students and school bus drivers of the important role they all have in
ensuring children’s safety. This year’s theme is “Safety First – Safety Always,” a unique reminder to
both motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus.
“School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping Ohio’s children safe as they
travel to and from school requires a collective effort,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all
drivers, parents, and students to stay vigilant, follow traffic laws, and work together to ensure everyone
gets to their destinations safely.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a
bus comes to a complete stop, red flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a
stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus
driver is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic
driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus
starts moving.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety of students who rely on school
transportation every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While drivers are
legally required to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting, it is just as important for
students to look both ways and cross the road with caution.”
Since 2019, there has been a total of 6,415 school bus-related traffic crashes in Ohio, resulting in eight
fatalities and 2,064 injuries. One of the eight killed was an occupant of a school bus. During that time,
troopers have issued more than 16,500 citations for passing a stopped school bus and other school zone
violations.
Additionally, school buses are required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating
properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and
once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has performed more than
200,000 inspections.
Veterans and Active-Duty Military Welcome to Enjoy a Free Breakfast
Ashland, Ohio—Mayor Matt Miller will again host the annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast to
honor our community’s military service members on Monday, November 11th from 7:30 to 9:00
a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, located at 400 Eastlake Drive. Breakfast will be
continuously served throughout the morning.
“We are so thankful to live in the great United States of America, and we are so blessed that in
every generation God has raised up a group of men and women to defend our freedom by
serving in our country’s military,” said Miller. “We are so proud of our veterans and current
service members and this annual breakfast is one way we can say thank you to these local
heroes.”
Veterans and active-duty military members are welcome to stop by the Eagles Club anytime
between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. for a delicious, free breakfast assortment, including egg casserole,
biscuits and gravy, pancakes and more
WARCOG 911 Dispatcher Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges
Wayne County OH – A 911 dispatcher with the Wayne/Ashland County Regional Communications and Operations Group (WARCOG), Andrew Mohn, 36, of Burbank, OH, who also is a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department has been arrested and indicted on multiple serious charges, including rape and gross sexual imposition, according to documents from the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.
Mohn faces the following charges:
11 counts of Rape (First-degree felony)
12 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition (Third-degree felony)
The indictment reveals a pattern of repeated sexual abuse, involving multiple child victims. According to the prosecution, Mohn admitted to law enforcement officials that he engaged in oral and anal penetration and possessed a large collection of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos that he shared with others.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brianna Dietary has requested that Mohn be held without bond, citing public safety concerns. In a statement from the Bond Hearing, Dietary said, “This is a case of repeated sexual abuse of multiple child victims. The defendant’s admissions and possession of child sexual abuse material raise significant concerns for the safety of the public.”
On September 30, 2024, Judge Corey E. Spitler ruled that Mohn is to be held without bail. The first pretrial conference is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
The Wayne County community remains shocked by the charges, especially given Mohn’s role as a public safety dispatcher along with being a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department.
Canaan Township Fire Department, or WARCOG has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest.
This case is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
House Fire on Ashland County Road 1095 Leaves Home Heavily Damaged, Family Pets Lost
Ashland, OH – A devastating house fire at 1607 Ashland County Road 1095 has left a home in ruins and resulted in the tragic loss of two beloved family pets. The fire was reported at 10:46 a.m. this morning, with firefighters from Station #2 arriving at the scene just two minutes later.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Ashland Fire Department and EMS, responded to the scene after a 911 call was placed by a sanitation worker from COUNTYSIDE Trash Removal LLC. The worker, while making his rounds at a neighboring home, noticed the fire and quickly contacted emergency services, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Fortunately, no one was home when the fire started.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Raudebaugh explained stating, “It came in as a structure fire, and when our first unit, Engine 12, arrived, they confirmed flames and smoke showing on the rear of the structure. We managed to extinguish the fire from both inside and outside, but there was significant structural damage. I would estimate a near-total loss of the home’s contents due to smoke and heat.”
Tragically, the family’s dog and rabbit were unable to escape the blaze and perished. Witness described a touching moment during the aftermath. Ashland County Sheriff’s Dog Warden, Deputy Hall showed compassion by covering the body of the family dog with a blanket.
Ashland Fire Department’s Station #2 was the first on the scene, highlighting the critical role of Station #2 in such emergencies. Despite their immediate response, the fire had already caused extensive damage. “Even with our quick action, seconds make all the difference,” Raudebaugh said, referencing the lessons learned from a controlled burn in downtown Ashland the previous week. “In just three minutes, the structure was almost fully engulfed.”
The Mifflin Township Fire Department responded to the fire as mutual aid, assisting with a tanker.
The Red Cross was called in to support the displaced family, helping them in the aftermath of the fire.
The cause of the fire is undetermined. No human injuries were reported.
Two teams delivered two trailer loads of water, diapers, miscellaneous supplies, chain saws, generators, cots and blankets.
They were overwhelmed and blessed to receive them.
The big need is HEATERS, GENERATORS and CAMP STOVES FOR COOKING.
We will prepare to send our next truck load. You can drop off the supplies at LIVING WATERS, the old Savannah School. See Roger or Christa Spoerr.
Our goal is to raise the funds or purchase 25 generators with a 5 gal fuel container, extension cord, funnels and oil. These generators will be run and ready to go.
We have a semi-flat bed if we can find a semi truck and driver. Or we will take our trailers back.
We will put together work teams. We have some military tents, cots and heaters for house workers. We will need cooking teams, food and the rest to feed the teams. It’s a boy scout/girl scout adventure.
Preparedness Consulting Services, LLC @ Hominy Valley Singing Grounds. {They publish a daily list of needs}
Ashland, OH — The City of Ashland has set its annual Halloween trick-or-treat event for Thursday, October 31st, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, regardless of weather conditions. Families can prepare for an evening of fun, as children make their rounds collecting treats in neighborhoods throughout the city.
The City continues its tradition of holding trick-or-treating on the Thursday closest to Halloween, a decision made to avoid conflicts with Friday night high school football games and other weekend activities. The early evening time frame, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, has been chosen with safety in mind.
“Even with reflective costumes and flashlights, the risk of accidents increases after dark. The earlier hours are set to ensure our children can enjoy a fun, safe experience,” city officials stated in a recent announcement.
To participate, residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights as a signal to welcome trick-or-treaters. Those homes with porch lights off are to indicate non-participation. Trick-or-treaters are urged to respect these signals and follow safety guidelines throughout the evening.
This community tradition promises to deliver another night of Halloween excitement, with safety at the forefront.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Friday, October 11, 2024) State Route 511, from State Route 302 to just south of County Road 500, will close Friday, October 18 for three consecutive culvert replacements.
The first culvert is located just south of Township Road 754; the second culvert is located just south of Township Road 704; and the third culvert is located just south of County Road 500. Crews will begin work on culvert one and move north along State Route 511.
The detour route for all three culverts will be State Route 511 to State Route 302 north to U.S. 250 west to State Route 60 north to U.S. 224 east to State Route 511, and reverse.
Joe Lyons •
October 22, 2024
