A welfare check by Deputies from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office led to a disturbing discovery, authorities found a woman, April Parks, allegedly in the midst of a mental health crisis, and a cat stabbed to death in her home.
Parks, a resident of Ashland County, Ohio, now faces a felony charge of cruelty to companion animals after Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting her erratic behavior on April 30, 2024.
According to statements made by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office Christopher R. Tunnell, during a court hearing, Parks had reportedly picked up high school boys from school as part of her routine, but her behavior raised serious concerns among the teenagers.
Upon arriving at Parks’ residence on State Route 302, Sheriff’s Deputies observed what can only be described as a “horrific scene.” Inside the home, they discovered a significant blood trail leading to the kitchen, where they found the lifeless body of a black cat. The cat had been stabbed multiple times, with a large chef knife inserted into its skull through its mouth.
Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell, speaking in court, detailed the events leading to Parks’ arrest and requested strict conditions for her release on bond. Tunnell recommended a bond of fifty thousand dollars in cash, along with mandates that Parks undergo a mental health assessment and refrain from possessing or being near any animals.
After considering the matter of bond, the Court Magistrate Emily M. Bates ordered that Parks bond as follows, posting a surety bond, secured by real estate or securities, or by depositing cash in the sum of $50,000.00.
Additionally, the Court imposed several conditions on Parks’ bond, including requirements to remain in Ohio, attend all future court hearings, abstain from drugs and alcohol, undergo random drug and alcohol testing, and seek a mental health assessment within fourteen days of posting bond.
Furthermore, Parks is prohibited from possessing any animals while on bond. The Court has scheduled her arraignment for Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. via video conference.
In celebration of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 90th anniversary, the Ashland Post hosted an open house for members of the community. The open house allowed our Patrol personnel, including troopers, dispatchers and professional staff, to interact with the public we serve. Members of the community can tour the facility, ask questions and learn about employment opportunities with the Patrol. A recruiter will be on-site to assist with any recruitment questions and help with the application process.
As part of the Patrol’s 90th anniversary activities, the Patrol is partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to help educate families about this free book program for Ohio’s littlest learners. Families with kids under the age of five can enroll their children into the program during the open house. After enrollment, the Imagination Library mails children one book each month until their fifth birthday at no cost to families. All Ohio children are eligible for this program. To learn more, visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/
The Ohio State Highway Patrol began on November 15, 1933, when the first 60 patrolmen earned their commissions following training at Camp Perry and began patrolling Ohio’s roads. Throughout the Patrol’s nine decades, the mission has always been the same – to save lives. Founders envisioned an agency that showed compassion and sincerity, and promoted the safety and welfare for all Ohioans. Over the past 90 years, sworn officers and professional staff have provided service with a purpose for the citizens of Ohio.
On May 5th, 2023 at about 10:06 AM, Mansfield Police Department Officers responded to 96 Lind Ave. for a possible burglary in progress.
Officer Charles Hamilton was approaching the scene on foot when he drew his service weapon. At this time his weapon discharged subsequently striking him in his right leg.
Officers Shane Gess, Cameron Sheperd, and Eric Buchanan all administered first aid at the scene before Mansfield Fire EMS arrived.
Officer Hamilton was transported to Ohio Health’s Emergency Department and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Hamilton has been a member of the Mansfield Police Department since 2013.
ASHLAND COUNTY PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 90% OF FUNDS RAISED FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
Ashland County Park District (ACPD) announced today that 90% of the funds needed to help build the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center in TK Park have been raised.
In 2022, local philanthropists Bob and Jan Archer committed $250,000 to help fund the project and challenged the community to raise the additional $250,000 to help make it a reality. With 80% now raised, ACPD is well on the way to reaching that goal, but is still seeking donors.
Tax-deductible gifts to the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center will help ACPD continue Davy McClure’s vision of having an education center/pavilion for the residents of Ashland County. Highlights of Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center include:
• Three season shelter/pavilion
• Bio-diverse educational habitats
• Flushable restrooms
• School bus accessible parking lot
100% of your donation to the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center will go to supporting this project.
Community members interested in donating can call the park office at (419) 289-3524 or bring donations into the park offices at 1301 Park Street in Ashland. Please make checks payable to “Friends of the ACPD.”
Officers responded to the area of 1165 Harwood Dr. on Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:20 PM in reference to gunshots. Officers located a victim in the parking lot next to a vehicle. The individual had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased.
Detectives were already working on another shooting that occurred at 103 Sturges Ave. which was reported at 8:00 PM the same day. The victim took themselves to Ohio Health Mansfield’s Emergency Department after sustaining gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. As of last evening, that victim was taken to surgery and was in stable condition.
These two shootings appear to be unrelated at this time.
The Mansfield Division of Police is investigating its fifth homicide of 2023, the third in one week. Of those five, four remain as open and active investigations.
This recent uptick in gun violence is concerning and please let us reassure the community that every resource at our disposal is being utilized to address these investigations. In response, a Homicide Task Force has been implemented, which consists of Richland County Law Enforcement detectives and an Assistant Prosecutor. Their focus is to not only identify the suspects involved but to also reduce all gun violence in Richland County.
It is paramount to mention that community cooperation and involvement are a necessity to aid investigators in these investigations. If a member of the community has information pertaining to these investigations, they can call our crime tip line at 419-522-7463 and remain anonymous.
Who: Lieutenant Brad Bishop, Ashland Post commander
Ashland Post personnel
When: May 6,2023 at time 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Where: City Patrol Post
1711 E. Main Street
Ashland, Ohio 44805
In celebration of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 90th anniversary, the Ashland Post is hosting an open house for members of the community. The open house allows our Patrol personnel, including troopers, dispatchers and professional staff, to interact with the public we serve. Members of the community can tour the facility, ask questions and learn about employment opportunities with the Patrol. A recruiter will be on-site to assist with any recruitment questions and help with the application process.
As part of the Patrol’s 90th anniversary activities, the Patrol is partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to help educate families about this free book program for Ohio’s littlest learners. Families with kids under the age of five can enroll their children into the program during the open house. After enrollment, the Imagination Library mails children one book each month until their fifth birthday at no cost to families. All Ohio children are eligible for this program. To learn more, visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/
The Ohio State Highway Patrol began on November 15, 1933, when the first 60 patrolmen earned their commissions following training at Camp Perry and began patrolling Ohio’s roads. Throughout the Patrol’s nine decades, the mission has always been the same – to save lives. Founders envisioned an agency that showed compassion and sincerity, and promoted the safety and welfare for all Ohioans. Over the past 90 years, sworn officers and professional staff have provided service with a purpose for the citizens of Ohio.
Richland County, Springfield Township – The Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The fatal crash occurred on May 3, 2023, around 1:29 PM, on SR 314 in the area of Flowers Road.
David Gilland, age 48, of Mansfield, was driving a 2019 Dodge Journey south on SR 314. Ronald Risner, age 72, of Shelby, was driving a 2004 Honda Civic north on SR 314. Mr. Risner traveled left and center and was struck by Mr. Gilland’s vehicle. Mr. Risner’s vehicle came to final rest on its top off the west side of the roadway.
Mr. Risner was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Gilland was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield by Springfield Township EMS for minor injuries.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by Springfield Township Fire, Richland County Coroner’s Office, and Terry’s Towing.
A portion of County Road 655 in Vermillion Township will be closed Monday, May 8th through Tuesday, May 9th for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between County Road 1802 and Township Road 1804. More specifically between House # 1818 and House # 1804. It is anticipated that the road will reopen on Tuesday, May 9th.
Road Closing – County Road 775
A portion of County Road 775 in Green Township will be closed Tuesday, May 9th through Wednesday, May 10th for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between Township Road 2414 and Township Road 2406. More specifically between House # 2398 and House # 2383. It is anticipated that the road will reopen on Wednesday, May 10th.
On May 4th at approximately 7am, Wooster Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of North Street and Market Street for a man laying on a bench that was bleeding and possibly stabbed.
Officers discovered a 26 year old male with stab wounds.
The male was transported to Wooster Community Hospital and later to Akron General Hospital with serious injury.
In a press release from Wooster Police Department “It was determined that an altercation occurred between two subjects at the corner of East North Street and North Buckeye Street and the victim then walked to the area where he was located by Officers.”
The Wooster Police Department continues to investigate and anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Detective Bureau at 330 287-5702.
Joe Lyons •
May 6, 2023
On May 4th at approximately 7am, Wooster Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of North Street and Market Street for a man laying on a bench that was bleeding and possibly stabbed.