Johnathan Triplett, 32, of Bellefontaine, was arrested on a number of charges including vandalism and fleeing from officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department after he reportedly damaged several items inside an apartment he formerly resided in around 2 a.m. Saturday, August 5, in the area of 500 Gunntown Road.
Police were dispatched to that location on a report that Triplett was inside destroying items and sending videos of the destruction to the current resident of the apartment. The victim told police that Triplett had not lived at the apartment in several weeks and did not have permission to be there.
Upon their arrival, Triplett was observed fleeing the scene, speeding excessively from the apartment complex and nearly crashing into another car as he failed to yield at a stop sign.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the vehicle after Triplett drove off the side of the road, and struck a large piece of wood. The defendant fled on foot at that time and could not be immediately located.
The vehicle was towed from the scene, and a short time later as police continued their investigation, they discovered evidence that Triplett had returned to the apartment and was inside.
The apartment door was locked and officers could hear the defendant moving about inside, but the Triplett refused to comply despite multiple attempts to get him to turn himself in.
Eventually, a master key for the apartment was secured and first responders entered the apartment and found Triplett covered up beneath a blanket in the bed.
He was arrested without further incident and charged with two counts of burglary, vandalism, failure to comply, obstructing official business and driving with a license. He was lodged in the Logan County Jail.