CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Chillicothe man previously convicted of sex offenses and wanted by authorities was taken into custody on October 10, 2026, following a physical confrontation with police inside a residence on East Fourth Street, according to newly obtained Chillicothe Police Department reports.
David Wesley Caplinger Jr., who had previously been identified as wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements, was arrested after officers responded to 367 East Fourth Street regarding an active arrest warrant.
The arrest comes after Caplinger was previously the subject of reporting by Hopewell Heritage Headlines concerning his criminal history and wanted status. A Facebook comment posted under his name also surfaced in which he disputed his previous sex offense conviction and challenged critics to confront him in person.
Police Describe Struggle Inside Residence
According to a supplemental report written by Officer Christopher Althouse, officers arrived at the residence and spoke with an individual who advised that Caplinger was inside a room toward the back of the home.
Althouse reported locating Caplinger in a back room, identifying himself as a police officer, and ordering him to place his hands behind his back.
Caplinger initially complied with the officer’s commands. However, when Althouse attempted to place him in wrist restraints, Caplinger allegedly began grabbing the officer’s hands and arms to prevent the arrest.
According to the report, Caplinger then attempted to flee toward the back door of the residence.
Althouse maintained control of Caplinger’s wrist while attempting to prevent his escape. The officer reported using his arm to control Caplinger’s head while attempting to gain compliance without restricting his airway.
Despite repeated commands, Caplinger allegedly continued resisting and attempted to manipulate the back door’s doorknob to escape.
Althouse subsequently took Caplinger to the ground, where the two landed on the floor. The officer reported maintaining a mounted position on Caplinger’s back while repeatedly ordering him to place his hands behind him.
Additional officers arrived to assist as Caplinger allegedly continued refusing commands.
Officer Abigail Tomlison reported observing Caplinger keeping his arms tucked beneath his body while officers attempted to gain control of his hands.
Officers eventually secured Caplinger in handcuffs following the struggle.
Officer Christopher Claytor, who also responded to assist, reported suffering an injury to his left knee after slipping on wet grass and mud while running toward the residence.
Claytor later assisted officers inside the home by using his body weight and hand to control Caplinger’s head and neck while officers attempted to secure him.
Caplinger Complained of Wrist Injury Following Arrest
Following the confrontation, Caplinger was transported to the Ross County Jail.
During transport, Officer Tomlison reported that Caplinger complained his handcuffs were too tight. Officers advised him that the restraints would be checked upon arrival at the jail.
Once inside the facility, jail personnel removed the handcuffs, and Caplinger reportedly stated that he believed his wrist was broken.
According to the report, a jail nurse examined Caplinger and indicated that a mobile X-ray would be ordered.
Tomlison also documented discovering blood on her knuckle after entering the jail, which she believed occurred during the struggle, although she could not determine exactly when the injury happened.
Officer Althouse noted that his body-worn camera deactivated during the physical altercation and did not capture the remainder of the incident. Other responding officers reportedly had their cameras activated.
Previous Sex Offense Conviction and Wanted Status
Caplinger has previously been the subject of reporting by Hopewell Heritage Headlines.
In June 2024, Chillicothe police investigated allegations involving a juvenile victim. The investigation ultimately resulted in Caplinger being indicted on two counts of gross sexual imposition in October 2024.
On January 16, 2025, Caplinger pleaded guilty to two counts of gross sexual imposition and was sentenced to nine months in prison. He was also classified as a Tier I sex offender, requiring him to comply with Ohio’s sex offender registration requirements.
In August 2026, Hopewell Heritage Headlines reported that Caplinger had been identified as noncompliant with registration requirements and was wanted by authorities.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction records had also identified Caplinger as a violator at large under Adult Parole Authority supervision.
Caplinger Publicly Disputed Previous Conviction and Challenged Critics
A Facebook comment posted under the name David Caplinger, which was shared with Hopewell Heritage Headlines, provides additional context surrounding his public response to his previous conviction.
In the comment, the individual denied committing sexual misconduct, writing, “I NEVER raped anyone and I NEVER hurt anyone.”
The commenter went on to dispute the circumstances of the gross sexual imposition conviction, claiming the charge resulted from accidentally bumping into a girl and alleging that she had lied about the incident.
The comment also referenced his history of boxing and fighting before issuing a challenge to individuals criticizing him.
The message concluded by telling critics to “come say it to my face” and “PULL UP.”
While the commenter disputed the allegations, court records establish that Caplinger entered guilty pleas to two counts of gross sexual imposition in January 2025.
The comment illustrates the public position expressed under Caplinger’s name concerning his previous conviction. The account’s authorship has not been independently verified, and there is no indication in the police reports that the comment was connected to his October 10 arrest.
Multiple Warrants and Additional Criminal Charges
According to the newly obtained police report, Caplinger was arrested with outstanding warrants from both Ross County and Warren County.
The report specifically identifies an active felony warrant from Warren County, along with an Adult Parole Authority hold.
Following the October 10 incident, Caplinger was booked into the Ross County Jail on the following listed charges and holds:
● Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
● Failure to Provide Change of Address
● Resisting Arrest
● Obstructing Official Business
● Parole Holder
Police indicated that the resisting arrest and obstructing official business charges resulted from the confrontation inside the residence.
Caplinger was scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on October 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., according to the police report.
The arrest marks another development in Caplinger’s legal history following his previous sex offense conviction, reported registration noncompliance, and outstanding warrants.
Hopewell Heritage Headlines will continue following the case as additional court records and information become available.
All new criminal charges are allegations unless proven in court. Caplinger is presumed innocent of the new charges unless and until proven guilty.
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