BELLVILLE, Ohio – The Richland County Sheriff’s Office was notified on Wednesday, April 29, at 8:16 a.m. that a subject in the 1400 block of Rinehart Road had been robbed after having been assaulted in his home.
Sheriff Steve Sheldon, deputies, Major Crimes Bureau detectives, a crime lab technician and the chief of Bellville Police responded to the incident location.
An initial investigation revealed that two white male subjects alleging to be in need of water for an overheating vehicle approached the residence at about 5:15 a.m. and asked the victim to fill a container with water. Upon opening the door the victim was struck in the face by one of the subjects and knocked to the ground.
The subjects bound the victim and proceeded to steal two televisions, several firearms and ammunition. A friend of the victim that was in the area hunting heard the victim yelling for help and at about 7:20 a.m. He gained entry into the residence and cut the victim free.
The scene was processed and physical evidence was collected for processing. Statements were obtained from witnesses and the victim was transported to Ohio Health Med-Central Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Ohio law enforcement agencies were notified of the incident.
This incident is under investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Major Crimes Bureau. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 419-524-2414, option 1, immediately.
