According to a Chillicothe Police Department report, officers were dispatched to 19 E. Main Street shortly before 9 p.m. on September 28. Officer Joseph Gay reported receiving a description of a woman who had allegedly removed items from the Blessing Box and thrown them into the street.
Gay reported seeing a woman matching the description walking eastbound near the location. According to the report, when the officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to detain her for the investigation, she allegedly ran south across East Main Street before being stopped near Sack ’n Save.
Police identified the woman as 45-year-old Beth Ann Causey. Gay reported that Causey appeared off balance and that he detected an odor of alcohol coming from her.
According to the narrative, Causey initially complied as Gay attempted to place her in handcuffs. However, police allege she began pulling away while the officer attempted to secure her right wrist. Gay reported taking Causey to the ground using a straight-arm-bar takedown.
Police said Causey suffered a bloody nose and black eye during the takedown. EMS responded to evaluate her injuries, and the report states Causey declined further medical treatment at the scene.
Causey was arrested on allegations of disorderly conduct while intoxicated, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. She was transported to the Ross County Jail and was advised of a September 29 appearance in Chillicothe Municipal Court.
Although officers were originally dispatched for a vandalism complaint, the report states the Blessing Box itself was not damaged. Officer Jonathan Davis reported observing canned items that had been thrown from the box into the street, as well as a Steel Reserve alcoholic beverage near the scene.
The allegations contained in the police report are accusations. Causey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
