Chillicothe man charged with felonious assault
The Washington Court House Police Department recently announced felonious assault charges against a man accused of firing a weapon at law enforcement officers at an area business.
The Washington Court House Police Department responded to a motel Sept. 17 after staff requested assistance removing a male occupant from the property. Upon arrival, officers learned that the subject, identified as Charles Messer, 66, of Chillicothe had allegedly displayed violent behavior by brandishing a firearm while walking to and from his room and pointing it toward the staffed motel office.
Officers attempted to contact Messer at his room, but he allegedly refused to answer the door. After nearly an hour of unsuccessful attempts to establish communication with him, officers attempted to open the motel room door and view the room’s interior using a drone. When the door was opened, Messer allegedly slammed the door shut and held it closed.
During the attempt, officers observed Messer on the drone’s live video feed, allegedly holding a handgun, at which time they retreated behind cover. Officers continued to issue multiple verbal commands over a PA system, but Messer did not respond.
Members of the WPD SRT then displayed CS gas projectiles and grenades at the front and rear of the room in an effort to force Messer outside. Messer allegedly fired at officers positioned behind the room, forcing them to take cover. He then allegedly opened the front door and fired shots into the building’s overhang.
Officers fired a less lethal round toward Messer, but it did not strike him, and he retreated into the room. After approximately five minutes of exposure to the CS gas, Messer exited the front door, unarmed, but allegedly did not immediately comply with verbal commands.
Messer was tackled to the ground and taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to Fayette Adena Emergency Department, where he was treated for minor injuries and CS exposure. He was then incarcerated in the Fayette County Jail.
Messer has been charged with four counts of felonious assault on a law enforcement officer, with additional charges pending.
A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 28.