Defendant Charged in Wayne County Deputy Stabbings Interrupts Judge During Initial Court Appearance
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio — A man accused of stabbing two Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies during an incident earlier this week appeared in Wayne County Common Pleas Court, where a judge read four felony charges against him and appointed the Wayne County Public Defender’s Office to represent him.
Chad Palmer appeared before Judge Timothy R. VanSickle in Case No. 2026 CRCI0181, with the State of Ohio represented by Prosecutor Joey Christopher Marullo.
Palmer is charged in a four-count complaint connected to the May 12, 2026 incident in Wayne County. The charges include two counts of attempted murder, both first-degree felonies, and two counts of felonious assault, also first-degree felonies.
According to the complaint read in court, Count 1 alleges Palmer attempted to purposely cause the death of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Thomas L. Ballinger. Count 2 alleges Palmer knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Sheriff Ballinger by means of a deadly weapon, specifically a knife, and further alleges the victim is a peace officer.
Count 3 alleges Palmer attempted to purposely cause the death of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Broom. Count 4 alleges Palmer knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Deputy Broom by means of a deadly weapon, specifically a knife.
During the hearing, Judge VanSickle advised Palmer that he was not required to make any statements about the facts of the case and warned him that anything he said could be used against him. Palmer repeatedly talked over the judge as the charges and court rights were being explained.
At one point, Palmer objected to the allegations, stating, “I only touched one officer,” and accused officials of acting illegally. He also repeatedly requested what he called a federal investigator and a change of venue, claiming corruption in Wayne County.
Judge VanSickle told Palmer several times to be quiet and listen, telling him, “You need to listen to what I’m about to tell you. This is important.”
The court advised Palmer that he has the right to a preliminary hearing, which was scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The judge also advised Palmer of his right to counsel, including appointed counsel if he could not afford an attorney.
After Palmer continued interrupting, Judge VanSickle appointed the Wayne County Public Defender’s Office to represent him and entering “Not Guilty” plea for the four charges against Palmer.
The state requested a no-bond hearing, which the court scheduled for May 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.
As the hearing ended, Palmer again stated that he was requesting a federal investigator. Judge VanSickle then adjourned court.
Palmer remains accused only at this stage, and the charges are allegations unless and until proven in court.
