The Bellefontaine Police Department handled a busy Memorial Day weekend that included multiple arrests, crashes, assaults, and OVI investigations across the city.
Police investigated a two-vehicle crash Friday in the 100 block of Lake Avenue. According to the report, 83-year-old Jerry Culp of Bellefontaine was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado when he attempted to pull into traffic and struck a 2019 Nissan Altima driven by 27-year-old Macy Earnest of Richwood. Damage was reported to both vehicles, but no injuries were listed. Culp was issued a citation for failing to yield.
An OVI arrest happened Saturday morning after police received reports of a Ford F-150 nearly striking an ambulance near Taco Bell on Main Street. Officers later located the truck near Water Avenue and arrested 24-year-old James Euton Jr. of Portsmouth. Police say Euton showed signs of impairment, had slurred speech and balance issues, and admitted to drinking before driving. Officers also found open alcohol containers inside the truck. Euton Jr. was charged with OVI, obstructing official business, and open container violations, the lodged in the Logan County Jail. He has a previous OVI conviction in 2025.
An arrest happened Sunday night when officers stopped a silver Toyota Camry on North Main Street near Powell Avenue. According to the report, officers discovered the registered owner, 37-year-old Sherry Chapman of Bellefontaine, did not have a valid driver’s license. Police identified 57-year-old John Brannan of Bellefontaine as the driver. Officers say Brannan admitted he only had an Ohio identification card and no valid operator’s license. Police also noted previous convictions for driving without a license. Brannan was arrested, charged with driving without a valid license, and was lodged in the Logan County Jail.
Also Sunday, officers responded to a crash near Bernie’s Drive-Thru on South Main Street after a vehicle struck a tree. Police say 16-year-old Justin Kemper, of Bellefontaine, told officers he became distracted by a spider on the windshield of his Honda Civic while driving southbound, causing him to leave the roadway. He was issued a citation for failure to control.
An OVI investigation early Sunday morning led to the arrest of 26-year-old Stacy Ellis of Sidney. Officers responded to Heritage Court Apartments and later found Ellis near a black Lincoln MKX. Police say Ellis showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, and admitted to drinking earlier in the evening. Officers conducted field sobriety tests before arresting Ellis. At the Logan County Jail, she blew a breath test more than twice the legal limit. She also has a prior OVI conviction from 2019.
And Monday evening, officers conducted a traffic stop near Main Street and Lake Avenue after watching a vehicle run a red light. Police say 37-year-old Keifer Evans of Bellefontaine had multiple open alcohol containers inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving. According to the report, Evans admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day but denied being impaired. Officers cited him for open container violations and traffic offenses, and scheduled him for a mandatory court appearance at the Bellefontaine Municipal Court.
