On February 15, 2026, officers with the Chillicothe Police Department responded to the area of South Paint Street in reference to a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked near a business with flames coming from the front hood area. The Chillicothe Fire Department was actively working to contain the fire.
While emergency personnel were attempting to secure the scene, a male subject, later identified as William Eugene DeLeon, age 44, was observed standing in the roadway yelling and creating a disturbance. Officers advised DeLeon to move out of the roadway and onto the sidewalk to allow fire personnel to safely perform their duties.
DeLeon refused to comply with repeated verbal commands and continued yelling profanities. Officers advised him that his conduct was interfering with emergency operations and that he would be placed under arrest if he did not comply. Despite warnings, DeLeon continued to obstruct emergency personnel and resist officers’ attempts to take him into custody.
During the arrest process, DeLeon physically resisted and pulled away from officers. After continued resistance and failure to comply with lawful commands, a Taser was deployed to gain compliance. DeLeon was then placed into custody without further incident.
DeLeon was transported to the Ross County Jail and charged with:
• Misconduct at an Emergency (ORC 2917.13)
• Obstructing Official Business (ORC 2921.31)
- • Resisting Arrest (ORC 2921.33)
