CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Michael Owes, a name that is familiar in the Chillicothe area, is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender and now for fleeing from police. Owes, who was a person of interest in several documentaries regarding the missing woman of Chillicothe, reportedly fled from the Chillicothe Police Department after being spotted at the AutoZone on North Bridge Street.
Owes has been on the run for over a year for failing to register as a sex offender. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition, after taking a two-year plea deal and getting his charges reduced from rape to GSI. The victim in that case was around 5 years old at the time of the crime.
On Friday afternoon, police in Chillicothe were alerted to Owes at the AutoZone on North Bridge Street. According to reports, officers attempted to speak with him, but instead, Michael Owes reportedly backed out and fled at a high rate of speed.
Officers said the following in their report, “While contacting Michael Owes in the parking lot, he attempted to back out. Michael had a confirmed warrant, and he was asked to step out of the vehicle. Michael refused and backed up then pulled forward. Michael then pulled into an open parking lot and jumped the parking block, entering the traffic lane. I observed that in the rear passenger seat, there was a small child in a car seat. Michael almost struck oncoming traffic and then proceeded at a high rate of speed south on N. Bridge Street. After advising dispatch that Michael was fleeing, I was advised not to pursue and did so. Michael ran several red lights and was almost struck by oncoming traffic while fleeing down S. Bridge Street.”
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact their local law enforcement. Owes should be considered possibly armed and dangerous.
