City police to step up enforcement during holiday

CHILLICOTHE – The visibility of law enforcement during the July 4 holiday will be noticeable as officials step up enforcement efforts to curb illegal activity while ensuring residents and visitors remain safe.

The Chillicothe Police Department plans to have 20 officers and two K-9 units working and police Chief Keith Washburn said his agency plans to take an aggressive stance on any issues that might occur, including consuming alcoholic beverages in Yoctangee Park or setting off fireworks.

“If (the public) let off fireworks, they will get a ticket,” Washburn said.

The violation for setting off fireworks in the city is a first-degree misdemeanor and Washburn said he hopes people will adhere to laws in place with safety in mind.

“It’s not safe, it’s hazardous,” he said. “We want people to have fun, but we don’t want anyone to get hurt. Don’t do stuff that will get other people hurt.”

The Fourth of July holiday has become known as one of the busiest holidays for the police department, said Capt. Kevin Teeters, who noted there have always been issues leading up to and following the holiday. Among the calls officials typically respond to include those that are alcohol-related, disorderly conduct, assaults and domestic violence, but Washburn had a simple request for the public.

“Use common sense,” he said.

The police department also will be directing traffic as people leave Yoctangee Park once the fireworks conclude. Officials plan to maintain its existing traffic pattern in an effort to move people in and out that will mean traffic being directed on North High Street, Yoctangee Parkway and East Water Street.

As a result, motorists won’t be permitted to turn left from North High Street onto all roads north of Mill Street. In addition, those wishing to travel to the west end of Chillicothe are being encouraged to take Water Street westbound to Western Avenue or Mill Street.

“People will be mad at us, but it’s the only way to evacuate so many people,” Teeters said.

Teeters added that the department’s goal is to get people out of the city in the safest and most efficient way. Ohio Highway Patrol troopers also will be assisting with traffic efforts, he said.

“Once they get onto High Street, we’ll bus them straight out of the city,” Teeters said.