The Richland County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Impact Team, (VCIT) completed a month long of targeted operations that included: Madison Twp., Butler Twp. And Weller Twp. The operations were conducted on November 13, 15, and 27.
The operations included the use of “High Visibility/Intensity Patrols” and resulted in the below listed enforcement actions: Traffic Stops: 23; Traffic Citations: 11; Traffic Written Warnings: 17; Felony Arrests: 1; Misdemeanor Arrests: 8; Misdemeanor Criminal Summonses: 4; Firearms Seized: 1
The highlighted VCIT case from the operation, included the response to a Man w/Gun at the Kroger’s 1060 Ashland Rd. VCIT members assisted the Patrol Bureau involving a call for service of a suspect chasing another subject through the parking lot while armed with a handgun. A VCIT member located the suspect fleeing the scene and conducted a felony traffic stop.
The VCIT member with the assistance of the Patrol Bureau was able to successfully apprehend the armed gunman and recover the firearm used in the crime, without incident. Seized from the suspect’s vehicle was a Hi-Point 45 cal. Semi-auto pistol and a two-foot long machete.
Lee T. Holzmiller, 45, a white male, Mansfield was arrested and charged with Improper Handling Firearm in a Motor Vehicle Felony, a fourth degree felony.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office will continue to conduct High Intensity Patrol Operations in the future. Criminal statistics and intelligence information will be used to identify “Hot Spots”, of criminal activity, within Richland County.
Again, anyone with information about criminal activity occurring in Richland County is asked to call the Major Crimes Hotline (419) 774-5610, or email your crime tip to: www.richlandcountyoh.us/sheriff/crimetip/crimetip.html
Monetary reward monies are available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for committing crimes.