CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Chillicothe traffic stop ended with a man being taken to the Ross County Jail after police say he resisted officers as they attempted to inventory his vehicle.
According to a Chillicothe Police Department report, Officer Justin Tuttle was patrolling Rennick Avenue at approximately 1:24 a.m. on September 22 when he observed a white Nissan SUV displaying an Ohio temporary license plate. Tuttle reported he was unable to read the registration number on the temporary tag.
Police said the vehicle made several turns through the area before returning toward Rennick Avenue. Tuttle wrote that the vehicle’s route, combined with what he described as an area known for reported drug use and criminal activity, caused him to develop reasonable suspicion that the vehicle could be involved in criminal activity.
Tuttle attempted a traffic stop near 7th Street and Bridge Street. According to the report, the Nissan initially continued into an alley before eventually stopping behind a residence on Knoles Avenue.
The driver was identified as 45-year-old Randy J. Otterbacher.
Police said Otterbacher told Tuttle he had been at the Pilot gas station purchasing lottery tickets and was “just driving.” According to the report, Otterbacher also said he did not have a valid Ohio driver’s license.
While speaking with Otterbacher, Tuttle reported that he appeared jittery and had pinpoint pupils, which the officer described as possible indicators of drug impairment. Police said Otterbacher twice asked to return to his vehicle for cigarettes but was told he could not do so at that time. He also allegedly refused consent for officers to search the vehicle.
A LEADS/NCIC check reportedly showed Otterbacher’s driver’s license was under a non-compliance suspension. Tuttle informed him that the Nissan would be towed and that officers would conduct an inventory of its contents.
According to the report, when Tuttle approached the driver’s side door to begin the inventory, Otterbacher approached and said he was going to stay out of the vehicle. Police said he failed to follow instructions to step away.
Tuttle then attempted to detain him.
Police allege Otterbacher immediately tensed his body and pulled his arms away as officers attempted to handcuff him. Despite repeated commands to stop resisting, the report states he continued pulling away and tensing his arms and body.
Officers ultimately took Otterbacher to the ground, with the report stating four officers were required to gain control of him and place him in handcuffs. He was then secured in a police cruiser after allegedly initially refusing to enter and having to be physically assisted into the rear seat.
During the subsequent vehicle inventory/search incident to the arrest, Tuttle reported finding an orange container containing “Chore Boy” wiring filters, which police said are commonly associated with drug use. Officers also reported finding a white plastic tube containing a clear glass pipe with burnt white residue and another container holding a small amount of a white powdery substance.
The report states no other contraband or evidence was located.
Otterbacher was transported to the Ross County Jail and held pending his initial court appearance.
Police listed charges of obstructing official business, resisting arrest and drug paraphernalia. He was additionally cited for driving under suspension and display of license plates/temporary registration.
The Nissan was towed from the scene.
All charges and allegations contained in the police report are accusations. Otterbacher is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
