A Chillicothe man was arrested after police say he threatened neighbors, acted aggressively toward officers, and resisted arrest during a disorderly incident on Steele Street.
According to a Chillicothe Police Department report, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Steele Street on May 7 after callers reported a man yelling threats at neighbors. Officer Matthew Richardson responded to the scene and initially searched the area but was unable to locate the suspect.
A short time later, dispatch advised the same male was allegedly beating on the side of a neighboring residence at 106 Steele Street. Richardson then made contact with residents at the home, who reported ongoing issues with the man identified as Michael Warnack.
Police allege Warnack exited his residence and began yelling at officers and neighbors while acting aggressively. According to the report, Warnack repeatedly paced toward Richardson while yelling, made hostile comments about police being near his house, and ignored multiple commands to calm down and keep his distance.
Richardson stated Warnack claimed he had spent 21 years in the military and did not need police “fucking” with him. Officers further alleged Warnack threatened to “fuck me up” if police came onto his property.
As the confrontation escalated, Richardson drew his taser while continuing attempts to de-escalate the situation. Police say Warnack continued advancing aggressively, prompting Officer Joshua Wright to deploy his taser after Warnack refused commands to place his hands behind his back.
According to the report, the first taser deployment had little effect and Warnack attempted to run back toward his residence before a second deployment brought him to the ground near the front porch area. Officers then took Warnack into custody.
Police noted Warnack allegedly had slurred speech, smelled strongly of alcohol, and admitted to being intoxicated.
Neighbors Carrie Martin and Tavann Woolfolk told police they feared Warnack would harm them. Martin alleged Warnack threatened to shoot both her and her home, though officers stated no firearm was displayed during the incident. Tavann Martin reportedly observed part of the incident through home security footage.
Warnack allegedly refused to identify himself during booking and was initially entered into the jail as “John Doe.” A supplemental report later stated jail staff identified him as Michael Warnack.
Warnack was charged with:
- Aggravated Menacing
- Obstructing Official Business
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct by Intoxication
Officer Shelby Lott, Officer Joshua Wright, Officer Matthew Richardson, Officer Katrina Hallam, and Medic-3 personnel were listed among responders in the report.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations only, and Michael Warnack is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
