Death
May 11
On May 11th, 2023, at approximately 2:03 PM officers from the Greenville Police Department were dispatched to 411 Markwith Avenue reference a welfare check. Once entry was made into the home, a deceased subject was located. Darke County Coroner investigator Jay Pearson responded
Non-Violent Family Offenses
May 12
On May 12, 2023 at approximately 8:32PM police responded to the 400 block of Walker Street reference a juvenile complaint. Upon arrival police made contact with the complainant, Viola Gilbert. Viola stated she was driving on Walker Street when she observed a small child sitting on the side of the road by himself. Viola stated that the child’s feet were rested on the roadway. Viola stated that she spoke with the child, and the child told her that he was five years old and that he ran away because his parents were fighting each other. Viola stated the child told her that his parents kicked him out of the house. Police then made contact with a witness, Julia Lawrence. Julia stated that she also saw the child sitting on the roadside by himself, and she stayed with Viola and the child until police arrived. Julia stated the child told her that his parents were fighting at his home, and that his 6-year old brother pushed him which hurt his leg. Police recognized the child victim (CV 1), and knew that his parents are Andrea Riffell and Joshua Riffell. While speaking to (CV 1), his 6-year old brother (CV 2) arrived to the scene by crossing the nearby railroad tracks from Front Street. CV 1 asked police not to take him home, because he doesn’t like his dad. Police spoke with both of the children while Julia and Viola completed written statements. At 9:10 PM, it was dark and neither Joshua or Andrea had called to report the two children missing, nor were they in the area searching for the children. Police transported the two children to 503 Washington Avenue, and attempted to get an answer at the door for several minutes. After getting no answer at the door, the two children advised police that they had come from “their other house”. Police responded to 404 North Gray Avenue, a property that Andrea and Joshua have previously resided at. After getting no answer at the door, dispatch called Joshua’s listed phone number and he answered before coming downstairs and answering the door. Police asked Joshua where his five-year old and six-year old children were, and he stated that they were “at the end of the street”, but didn’t know the address or with whom. Joshua stated that his two children were supposed to be with Andrea at 503 Washington Avenue. Joshua stated that he didn’t hear anyone at the door because he was upstairs working. At 9:43 PM, police responded to 503 Washington Avenue again and made contact with Andrea. Andrea stated that the children were supposed to be with Joshua, and that it wasn’t her fault. Police advised Andrea that her and Joshua have an equal responsibility to ensure their children are accounted for, since they’ re married and live together. Andrea stated that she was upstairs and didn’t hear the police knocking on the door when police responded to 503 Washington Avenue the first time. At no time did Joshua or Andrea call the police in regards to the location of their two children, despite neither parent knowing their whereabouts. Andrea and Joshua were each issued citations reference endangering children, and advised of their court dates. Joshua was previously charged for endangering children on April 26, 2023. This report will be forwarded to Darke County Children Services.
Domestic Violence
May 16
On May 16, 2023 at approximately 6:05PM police responded to 329 Anderson Avenue reference a possible domestic dispute. While in route police was advised by other police who had already arrived on scene, that Alan Dich assaulted a female later identified as Brandy Knight, and left the house on foot heading west. Police began patrolling the area attempting to locate Alan and located him walking on North Gray Avenue near Armstrong Street. Police detained Alan in handcuffs and Alan was then read his Miranda Warning which he stated he understood. Alan stated that he was in a verbal argument with his girlfriend, Hannah Knight and her mother, Brandy Knight. Alan stated that the argument was over a tax return. Alan stated that they would not let him go upstairs. Alan stated that he became more upset, picked up a blue coffee mug that was sitting on a table, and threw it. Alan stated that he thought it hit the wall, and could have possibly bounced and hit Brandy in the head. Alan was then transported back to 329 Anderson Avenue for further investigation. Upon arrival police learned that Brandy was transported to Wayne Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Police then spoke to Hannah Knight. Hannah stated that she was in a verbal argument with Alan over a tax return. Hannah stated that Alan became very upset during the argument and charged at Brandy. Hannah stated that she pushed Alan onto a chair to protect her mother. Hannah stated that Alan got up and ripped Brandy’s glasses off. Hannah stated that Alan then grabbed a blue coffee cup, and threw it at Brandy, striking her in the side of the head, causing her to bleed heavily. Hannah stated Alan then left the house. Hannah filled out a written statement reference this incident. Alan was then advised that he was under arrest. Police transported Alan to the Darke County Jail where he was released to jail staff. Police then responded to Wayne Hospital to speak to Brandy. Brandy stated that Hannah and Alan were involved in an argument over a tax return. Brandy stated that Alan struck Hannah. Brandy then attempted to separate Alan and Hannah, when Alan ripped her glasses off of her facing, causing them to break. Brandy stated that Alan then picked up a blue coffee mug and threw it, striking her in the side of the head. Brandy stated that she immediately fell to the ground in pain. Police observed a laceration to the left side of Brandy’s head that had dried blood around it. Brandy filled out a written statement as well as a victims rights form reference this incident. Brandy and Alan do not live together. Alan was issued citations for Assault and Criminal Damaging.
Vandalism
May 17
On May 17, 2023 at approximately 2:11PM, while on patrol police found the High School had been vandalized. Most of the trees on the High Schools property had been toilet papered. There were car tires and a tractor tire on Greenwave Way and in the parking lot of the High School. Down Greenwave Way were bleachers that had been pushed on the road that had been beside the tennis courts. The three gates into the High Schools parking lot had been chained off by new looking chains and padlocks. There was an SUV by the gate next to the track, a truck at the entrance of the GCTC building and four vehicles near the Hollyhill back gate. All vehicles did not have license plates but were unlocked with keys in them. There were hurdles set about the main parking lot, east side of the High School. Police noticed a vehicle leave the area and followed the vehicle to Euclid and identified the driver. The driver was wearing a black shirt, gray shorts and sandals. He said he had not vandalized the High School but had just been out driving. Officer advised multiple vehicles left the area when he first arrived. Superintendent Doug Fries arrived. He advised all the vehicles and tires probably belonged to the GCTC building. He said most of their cars do not run so they were probably pushed. The chains and padlocks on the gates were brought and use by the suspects. The hurdles placed in the parking lot had been in the track area. Police spoke to SRO about the incident and he will follow-up by looking at their cameras with staff to determine suspects.
Warrant/Fugitive from Justice
May 18
On May 18, 2023 at approximately 9:16 hours police observed Jason Jones riding a bicycle in front of 300 Tiffin Street. Police had prior knowledge that Jason has a Felony Warrant through the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear on Child Neglect with no bond. Dispatch confirmed the warrant. Jason was placed under arrest and mirandized. During a search of Jason’s person a glass pipe with burnt residue was located and disposed of. Jason advised the pipe was not his but was located in a coat he was wearing. Jason was then transported to the Darke County Jail where he was released to jail staff.