CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A man was taken into custody following a reported burglary at a residence on Washington Avenue earlier this month.
According to the Chillicothe Police Department, officers were dispatched to 799 Washington Avenue on April 3, 2026, at approximately 9:58 a.m. after a homeowner reported finding an individual inside the residence. The homeowner provided a further statement discovering a rear door unlocked and later finding Atwood inside the home.
During the investigation officers located Steven Atwood, who was attempting to leave the area on a bicycle. He was detained and advised of his rights.
Police said Atwood had previously been warned not to return to the residence after being evicted in November of 2025.
Investigators determined that entry had been forced through a bathroom window, which appeared to have been opened using an ax found on scene. The officers noted that in an elite report they suggested the homeowner screw the window shut. However after doing this the window was clearly damaged and forced open. Additional damage inside the home was also reported.
During the investigation, officers located suspected narcotics inside the residence, including pills identified as Clonazepam, which were not prescribed to Atwood.
Atwood was transported to the Ross County Jail and charged with burglary, a fourth-degree felony. Additional charges including criminal mischief and drug possession were documented in the report.
Authorities also noted that Atwood has prior convictions related to breaking and entering, as well as an outstanding warrant, which was to be served while he was in custody.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
