Police/Fire/EMS

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Media Release issued December 17

Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart announced today that Hardin County deputies assisted by agents of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI&I) executed a search warrant that resulted in the discovery of a body believed to be that of Michael Bolen. The warrant had been issued because of information received by deputies late Monday December 16.

On March 31, family members of Mr. Bolen reported that he had been missing from his McGuffey, Ohio residence since March 29. An exhaustive search for Bolen was conducted by Hardin County deputies, BCI&I agents, Ohio Department of Natural Resources cadaver K9s, family members and others, with his whereabouts continuing to be unknown.

The investigation into Bolen’s disappearance led to his son, Dustin Ray Bolen, being indicted for his father’s murder, and subsequently being arrested on November 7, 2024 and lodged in the Multi County Correctional Center, where he is awaiting trial.

READ MORE

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From the Hancock County Sheriff's Office: On behalf of Sheriff Michael E. Heldman, we warmly invite you to celebrate his retirement after an extraordinary 52 years of service to Hancock County, including 28 years as Sheriff.

Sheriff Heldman holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Sheriff in Hancock County's history.

The celebration will be held on January 3 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Old Mill Stream Centre, 1017 E. Sandusky, Findlay. The event is free and open to the public.

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The Bluffton Police Department responded to our inquiry with the following information regarding a recent dog attack in Bluffton.

On December 6, 2024 at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers from the Bluffton Police Department responded to a N. Lawn Ave residence where a female reported being chased back into her house by a large dog.  After taking this complaint, officers were able to determine that the dog was back on its property and officers secured the loose gate the dog escaped from. The Allen County Dog Warden was contacted about this complaint and was investigating the matter.  

At approximately 4:15 p.m. on the same date, officers were made aware of another incident involving the same dog.  A female reported she was walking in the area of Spring St. and Washington St. and was knocked down from behind by a large dog and had to seek medical attention for injuries sustained in the incident. Officers investigated the matter and were able to determine that the dog in question was the same dog as the earlier complaint, and both incidents happened at the same time. This complaint was also forwarded to the Allen County Dog Warden’s Office for further investigation.

Warden Julie Shellhammer responded to the Icon's inquiry that “Deputy Marando did investigate the incident in Bluffton. The dog you are asking about is not and has not been in custody of our office.  The owner may choose to surrender the dog but they are not required to.  READ MORE

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Provided by the Bluffton Police Department

TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE: 655

November 5

The school resource officer received a miscellaneous complaint at the school.

November 9

Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Main Street near Snider Road for a speeding violation. During the stop it was revealed the driver, a Findlay resident, did not possess a valid driver’s license. The case is pending in Lima Municipal Court. 

November 11

A resident contacted police to report a telecommunications harassment complaint.

November 15

Officers responded to the 100 block of North Main Street in reference to a private property damage crash behind a downtown business.    CONTINUES ▶︎

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Provided by Ohio State Highway Patrol

ORANGE TOWNSHIP – The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on December 5, 2024, at approximately 6:22 A.M.  The crash occurred on Interstate 75 southbound on the exit ramp to State Route 103 in Orange Township, Hancock County.  

Joshua Little, age 42, of Wapakoneta, Ohio was operating a 2009 Chevrolet HHR on Interstate 75 southbound at the exit for State Route 103, when it became disabled on the right shoulder. Mr. Little got out of his vehicle and walked south on the exit ramp to State Route 103 from Interstate 75. Michael Rahrig, age 64, from Findlay Ohio was operating a 2016 Ford Edge, and exited onto the southbound exit ramp to State Route 103 from Interstate 75, and struck Mr. Little walking up the ramp.  

Mr. Little was pronounced deceased on scene, and there were no injuries to Mr. Rahrig. Mr. Little was transported to the Lucas County Coroners office. The exit ramp to State Route 103 southbound was closed for approximately one hour, and is now open.  

The Patrol was assisted on scene by Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, R and A Towing, and D and D Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.   

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Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder provided the following activity summary for October 2024 at the November 25 meeting of the Bluffton Village Council. The full report with 2024 incident breakdowns by month and ticket summary with descriptions is attached HERE.

CALLS FOR SERVICE

Police Calls for Service- 570
Police Chief Calls for Service- 119
Traffic Stops - 73

CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS

Burglary

Criminal Damaging

Deceased Person

Miscellaneous

No Operators License

Juvenile Offense

Sexual Offense

TOTAL

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

8

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