Local News

Fugitives of the Week July 24, 2023

Joe Lyons • July 24, 2023

Dustin Edgell Age: 29
White / Male / 5’10” / 220 / Brown Hair / Hazel Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl.
Ties to the Mansfield, Coshocton, and Nashport Ohio.

Pamela Sauder Age: 57
White / Female / 5’4’’ / 120 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs.
Ties to the Mansfield area.

Age: 33
White / Male / 511’’ / 150 / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl.
Ties to Mansfield and Columbus area.

Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.

Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:

United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.

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Joe Lyons • July 24, 2023

Veterans Appreciation Day 2023
Held August 5th
Ashland County Airport
700 Twp Rd 1102
Ashland, OH 44805

https://www.acvad.org/

Come be a part of history as the Traveling Vietnam Wall comes to Ashland County! It will be available for viewing at the Ashland County Airport around the clock! Arriving in style on August 2nd at approx 5:15-5:30 p.m. into Ashland (coming from Mansfield on Rt. 42, onto Claremont , into town (yes, through the construction), making a right onto Main and out to 42 at Rt. 250, 42 out to Airport) with escorts, leaving with honor after a closing service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th. It is the feature of our 10th Ashland County Veterans Appreciation Day!

ONE KILLED IN WAYNE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Joe Lyons • July 22, 2023

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP – On Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 10:54 AM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle serious-injury crash at the intersection of US Route 30 and Pres’ Vannes’ Drive in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County.

The investigation revealed a green 1995 Dodge Caravan was crossing the median from the US30 east lanes via the Pres’ Vannes’ Drive access road. A silver 2003 Harley Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider was west on US30 in the right lane. The Dodge, having a posted yield sign, failed to yield the right-of-way and attempted to cross the west lanes of US30 when it was struck on the passenger side by the motorcycle. The Dodge rotated and overturned onto its driver’s side partially off the northwest corner of the intersection. The motorcycle came to rest off the road just west of the Dodge.

The helmeted and properly endorsed male driver of the motorcycle, Gerald A. Siegel, 57, Canton, Ohio was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female driver of the Dodge, Harley D. Gallagher, 25, Smithville, Ohio and her 2-year-old passenger of the same address were transported via ground to Akron Children’s Hospital. Gallagher was seat-belted at the time of the crash and her passenger was in a child safety seat.

The incident, including whether speed or impairment played a role in the crash, remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Dalton Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, East Wayne Fire and EMS, the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and Bear’s Towing.

SUBROSA INDICTMENT ON HOWARD WALTERS FOR AGGRAVATED MURDER

Joe Lyons • July 21, 2023

SUBROSA INDICTMENT

ASHLAND COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

23-CR1-188 THE STATE OF OHIO ASHLAND COUNTY

Of the 3rd Partial in the year two thousand twenty three THE JURORS OF THE GRAND JURY OF THE State of Ohio, within and for the body of the County aforesaid, on their oaths, in the name and by the authority of the State of Ohio, do find and present that HOWARD DWAYNE WALTERS (SSN: XXX-XX-4457; DOB: 08/22/1964) (IA: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office) did:

COUNT ONE: AGGRAVATED MURDER (Section 2903.01(A), 2929.02(A) of the Ohio Revised Code), an unclassified felony. In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the death of Kurtis Harstine, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.01(A), 2929.02(A), AGGRAVATED MURDER an unclassified felony.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT ONE: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code) The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count One was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense.

SPECIFICATION TWO TO COUNT ONE: (Section 2929.04(A)(7) of the Ohio Revised Code) The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count One was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters was committing, attempting to commit, or fleeing immediately after committing or attempting to commit Aggravated Burglary and/or Aggravated Robbery and/or Burglary – Trespass in a Habitation When a Person is Present or Likely to be Present, and either the said Howard Dwayne Walters was the principal offender in the commission of the aggravated murder or, if not the principal offender, committed the aggravated murder with prior calculation and design.

COUNT TWO: AGGRAVATED MURDER (Section 2903.01 (B), 2929.02(A) of the Ohio Revised Code), an unclassified felony. In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did purposely cause the death of, Kurtis Harstine while committing, or attempting to commit, or while fleeing immediately after committing or attempting to commit the offense of Aggravated Burglary and/or Aggravated Robbery and/or Burglary – Trespass in a Habitation When a Person is Present or Likely to be Present, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.01(B), 2929.02(A), AGGRAVATED MURDER an unclassified felony.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT TWO: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code) The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Two was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense.

SPECIFICATION TWO TO COUNT TWO: (Section 2929.04(A)(7) of the Ohio Revised Code) The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Two was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters was committing, attempting to commit, or fleeing immediately after committing or attempting to commit Aggravated Burglary and/or Aggravated Robbery and/or Burglary – Trespass in a Habitation When a Person is Present or Likely to be Present, and either the said Howard Dwayne Walters was the principal offender in the commission of the aggravated murder or, if not the principal offender, committed the aggravated murder with prior calculation and design

COUNT THREE: AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (Section 2911.11(A)(1), 2911.11(B) of the Ohio Revised Code)a felony of the first degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, by force, stealth, or deception, trespass, as defined in section 2911.21(A)(1) of the Revised Code, in an occupied structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of an occupied structure, when Kurtis Harstine, a person other than the accomplice, was present, with purpose to commit in the structure or in the separately secured or separately occupied portion of the structure any criminal offense, to wit: Aggravated Murder and/or Murder and/or Aggravated Robbery and/or Felonious Assault and/or Theft, O.R.C. 2903.01(A) and/or 2903.01(B) and/or 2903.02(A) and/or 2903.02(8) and/or 2911.01(A)(1) and/or 2911.01(A)(3) and/or 2903.11(A)(1) and/or 2903.11(A)(2) and/or 2913.02(A)(1), and the offender inflicted, or attempted or threatened to inflict physical harm on Kurtis Harstine, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.11(A)(1), 2911.11(B),AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, a felony of the first degree.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT THREE: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code)

The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Three was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense to wit: the Kurtis Harstine residence located at 571 Township Road 851, Ashland, Ohio, 44805

COUNT FOUR: AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (Section 2911.11(A)(2), 2911.11(B) of the Ohio Revised Code)a felony of the first degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, by force, stealth, or deception, trespass, as defined in section 2911.21(A)(1) of the Revised Code, in an occupied structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of an occupied structure, when Kurtis Harstine, a person other than the accomplice, was present, with purpose to commit in the structure or in the separately secured or separately occupied portion of the structure any criminal offense, to wit: Aggravated Murder and/or Murder and/or Aggravated Robbery and/or Felonious Assault and/or Theft, O.R.C. 2903.01(A) and/or 2903.01 (B) and/or 2903.02(A) and/or 2903.02(B) and/or 2911.01(A)(1) and/or 2911.01(A)(3) and/or 2903.11(A)(1) and/or 2903.11(A)(2) and/or 2913.02(A)(1), and the offender had a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, to wit: a .45 caliber firearm, on or about his person or under his control, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.11(A)(2), 2911.11(B),AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, a felony of the first degree.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT FOUR: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code)

The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Four was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense. to wit: the Kurtis Harstine residence located at 571 Township Road 851, Ashland, Ohio, 44805

COUNT FIVE: AGGRAVATED ROBBERY (Section 2911.01 (A)(1), 2911.01(C) of the Ohio Revised Code)a felony of the first degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, in attempting or committing a theft offense, as defined in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, or in fleeing immediately after the attempt or offense upon Kurtis Harstine did have a deadly weapon, to wit: a .45 caliber firearm, on or about his person or under his control and either displayed the weapon, brandished it, indicated that he possessed it, or used it, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.01 (A)(1), 2911.01(C), AGGRAVATED ROBBERY, a felony of the first degree.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT FIVE: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code)

The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Five was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense. to wit: the unauthorized use of a 2016 Ford F150 truck with VIN # 1FTEW1EP6GFB24815 and Ohio license plate no.391ZFB belonging to Kurtis Harstine and/or the theft of one (1) cellular phone belonging to Kurtis Harstine

COUNT SIX: AGGRAVATED ROBBERY (Section 2911.01(A)(3), 2911.01(C) of the Ohio Revised Code)a felony of the first degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, in attempting or committing a theft offense, as defined in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, or in fleeing immediately after the attempt or offense upon Kurtis Harstine inflicted, or attempted to inflict, serious physical harm on Kurtis Harstine, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.01(A)(3), 2911.01(C), AGGRAVATED ROBBERY, a felony of the first degree.

SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT SIX: (Section 2941.145(A) of the Ohio Revised Code)

The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count Six was committed while the said Howard Dwayne Walters had a firearm on or about his person or under his control while committing the offense and displayed the firearm, brandished the firearm, indicated that he possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate the offense. to wit: the unauthorized use of a 2016 Ford F150 truck with VIN #1 FTEW1EP6GFB24815 and Ohio license plate no.391ZFB belonging to Kurtis Harstine and/or the theft of one (1) cellular phone belonging to Kurtis Harstine

COUNT SEVEN: TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE (Section 2921.12(AX1), 2921.12(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the third degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohlo, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, knowing that an official proceeding or investigation was in progress, or was about to be or likely to be instituted, alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in such proceeding or investigation, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.12(A)(1), 2921.12(B), TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, a felony of the third degree.

to wit: the said Howard Dwayne Walters discarded one (1) cellular phone belonging to Kurtis Harstine. Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Richland County, Ohio

COUNT EIGHT: TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE (Section 2921.12(A)(1), 2921.12(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the third degree.

In that on or about January 27, 2023, in Ashland County. Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, knowing that an official proceeding or investigation was in progress, or was about to be or likely to be instituted, alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in such proceeding or investigation, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2921. 12(A)(1), 2921.12(B), TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, a felony of the third degree.

to wit: the said Howard Dwayne Walters burned a red/orange jacket owned and possessed by the said Howard Dwayne Waiters

COUNT NINE: TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE (Section 2921.12(A)(1), 2921.12(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the third degree.

In that on or about January 26, 2023 through January 27, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Howard Dwayne Walters, did, knowing that an official proceeding or investigation was in progress, or was about to be or likely to be instituted, alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in such proceeding or investigation, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.12(A)(1), 2921.12(B), TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, a felony of the third degree.

to wit: the said Howard Dwayne Walters deleted text message communications. Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Richland County, Ohio.

ASHLAND COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER R. TUNNELL ANNOUNCES CAPITAL INDICTMENT FOR JANUARY HOMICIDE

Today Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced that an Ashland County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Howard Dwayne Walters, D.O.B. 8/22/1964, for multiple counts relating to the death of Kurtis Harstine, D.O.B. 12/25/1981 on January 26, 2023.

The Grand Jury issued a nine-count indictment against Walters, charging him with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated robbery and three counts of tampering with evidence.

The aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery counts each have a three-year firearm specification, and the aggravated murder counts each carry a felony murder specification. If convicted of aggravated murder with a felony murder specification, Walters would potentially face the death penalty. A copy of the indictment is attached to this release.

On the morning of Friday, January 27, 2023, the Ashland Police Department was asked to conduct a welfare check on Kurtis Harstine at his residence on Franklin Avenue in the City of Ashland. There was a concern from family and friends that he had not been heard from and was missing. The investigation proceeded into the county with law enforcement officers from both the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ashland Police Department responding to 571 Township Road 851.

On the second floor of that residence the body of Kurtis Harstine was discovered. It was apparent that he had died from multiple gunshot wounds, a fact later confirmed by the Lucas County Medical Examiner. Investigation determined that Mr. Harstine was shot to death in the early evening of January 26, 2023. Mr. Harstine was in the process of divorce proceedings from his estranged wife, the daughter of Howard Dwayne Walters. The residence on Township Road 851 was previously the Harstines’ home. The charges generally allege that Walters shot Kurtis Harstine to death inside the residence on TR 581, took Harstine’s Ford F150 and cell phone and then destroyed evidence.

Prosecutor Tunnell emphasized that the charges contained in today’s indictment are merely allegations which will need to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and that Howard Dwayne Walters is at all times innocent until proven guilty.

Tunnell noted that this investigation has taken several months to arrive at this stage and has involved hundreds of man hours and a review of volumes of evidence produced by the investigation. The investigation was conducted and aided by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office; Ashland Police Department; Ashland County Coroner’s Office; the Ohio State Highway Patrol Criminal Intelligence Unit; the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Organized Crime Investigations Commission; the Lucas County Medical Examiner’s Office; and the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutor Tunnell commented, “It is true that sometimes the wheels of justice grind slowly, but in this case they grind with coordination and precision. Ashland County residents should be proud of the fact that law enforcement is able to cooperate in a way that achieves positive results.” Tunnell cautioned, “From here the situation will proceed through court. It is an active and open case and it would be improper to comment further on the facts. All the facts will be brought to light in court. As with any homicide, this is a tragedy for those involved and our thoughts and prayers go out to those so affected.”

Walters was taken into custody this afternoon by the U.S. Marshall’s Northern Ohio violent fugitive task force with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and Ashland Police Department in support. He is currently in the Ashland County Jail awaiting an appearance before the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas which is expected to occur sometime next week.

Walters is represented by Attorney James Mayer, III of Mansfield.

Low Speed Pursuit in Sullivan

Joe Lyons • July 18, 2023

An Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 9th, on US Route 224. That traffic stop turned into a pursuit that reached single digit speeds.

The male driver, later identified as Levi Veer, 39, of Davenport, Iowa, fled from Deputies at 3mph, with speeds reaching 9mph, in his 2013, White Ford Fusion.

The pursuit started around 5am, when the Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop. The male could be seen making hand gestures, according to the Sheriff’s Office report. With speeds maintaining 3mph, the Deputy was giving verbal commands to pull the vehicle over, with Levi Veer yelling back and disregarding commands.

By 5:08am, the pursuit crossed State Route 58, still going Eastbound on US Route 224, reaching speeds of 4mph.

Around 5:11am the pursuit was still going Eastbound on US Route 224, passing Township Road 481, with speeds still at 4mph.

Around 5:12am, the pursuit briefly stopped at the Dollar General store, at 477 US Route 224, then continued at 4mph.

Around 5:14am, the pursuit passed 469 US Route 224, maintaining the speed of 4mph.

Around 5:23am, the pursuit ended at 415 US Route 224.

The 25 minute pursuit covered nearly a mile, and ended with Levi Veer being arrested and held on Fleeing and Eluding.

Matthew 25 Outreach Center

Joe Lyons • July 17, 2023

ASHLAND -Join us Saturday, July 22nd!

Our next M25OC distribution of fresh, nutritious fruits and veggies is coming to Ashland this Saturday – Saturday, July 22nd, from 10 am to 1:00 pm at Luray Lanes (we’ll be outside in the parking lot).

We invite you to join us, bring your friends, neighbors, co-workers, church family and family serving and sharing God’s love with the people of Ashland.

As always, we can use your help to spread the news and tell others about this event and the work of Matthew 25 Outreach Center by forwarding this along to others.

Come out and help bag up produce or sort the fun food.. We need your help and support!

If you would like to volunteer, and help with this produce distribution, please meet us at 8 am, Saturday, July 22nd.

Have you read about the stories that are unfolding as we work together to share God’s love with the people of Ashland and Mansfield?

Don’t forget to read the M25OC Stories section of our website, engage with us on Facebook.

Fugitives of the Week July 17, 2023

Joe Lyons • July 17, 2023

Age: 38
White / Male / 6’0” / 200 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and the Ohio Department of Corrections on the charge of possession of drugs F2
Ties to the Mansfield.

Steven Drummond Age: 26
White / Male / 5’9’’ / 160 / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register F2.
Ties to Mansfield area and Gibsonton FL.

Loretta Webb Age: 22
5’3’’ / 150 / White / Female / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and the Ohio Department of Corrections on the charge of escape F5
Ties to the Mansfield area

Marquise Morris Age: 34
Black / Male / 6’ / 165 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for felonious assault F-2
Ties to Mansfield and Oxon Hill MD.

Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.

Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:

United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.