Warning issued following suspected fatal overdose

CHILLICOTHE - Another warning about potentially fatal heroin has been issued after local officials responded to several overdoses, including one fatal, on Friday.

The Chillicothe Police Department issued the warning shortly after a suspected fatal overdose at 360 E. Main St. As of 11 p.m., police officials said there were between 11 and 13 overdoses handled in the Chillicothe and Ross County areas Friday. An exact number was not able to be determined by officials before deadline.

Ross County Sheriff's Office officials said their office handled two suspected overdose calls Friday.

Around 7:30 p.m. Chief Keith Washburn said officers responded to seven calls of possible overdoses, though two people were found to be responsive and alert. Washburn said they handled five suspected overdoses. Those numbers continued to rise.

The warning urged people to avoid using heroin. If someone uses the drug, officials asked that people have resources available "to perform life-saving measures" and call 911 for help in the event of an overdose.

"The director of the Heroin Partnership Project, Ross County health commissioner, Ross County coroner, Ross County sheriff, and the Chillicothe police chief are warning heroin users and their family members of a potentially fatal form of heroin being used in the community," the warning read.

In addition, officials encouraged heroin users who need help to dial 911 or 211 to reach the Crisis Center.

The identity of the man police  believe fatally overdosed Friday night inside a room at 360 E. Main St. has not been released, but officials said he was in his 60s.

At least four police cruisers, an ambulance and about a dozen bystanders were gathered near the scene. Some who were standing along the sidewalk were visibly upset and shouting, frustrated with the loss of yet another life.